Orchid Flowering

[bhawk3]

2 Questions:
How long does it take an orchid to flower from a spike.

How do I go about getting my orchids from a spike to flowering so I can take them to show at my orchid club meeting. Do I give them a weak fertilize daily what is the time frame.

I have Cattalya, Demdrobium, Ocidiums and the temp is between 11 and 25
Thanks for your help

[Daethen]

There is no way that I know of to make them flower on command. Daily watering will probably lead to root rot unless they are mounted. One word, patience.

[tucker85]

It also depends on the type of orchid. If an orchid has a long flower spike it can take weeks to bloom. Orchids with shorter spikes and smaller flowers can bloom more quickly. Two suggestions from my experience and from what I've read. Some orchids are sensitive during the budding and flowering phase. Don't move the orchid to a new location until after the flowers are open or almost open. A change in temperature, light, air movement, or moisture can cause bud drop in some plants. Also some experts say not to fertilize an orchid during this phase because that can also lead to bud drop. The theory is that the nutrients will cause the plant to concentrate it's energy on growing new leaves and not on flowering. I think I've experienced this myself but, of course, it's hard to sure. Good luck.

[yoshiorch]

the time it needs from spike to bloom depends on the type of plant you have and the care it gets. colder weather might make a spike linger on some phalaenopsis species for example. I have an oncidium (trilobum)that produced spikes around 3meters every other year and it takes 5-7 months from spike to bloom. Phalaenopsis in general require 90 days from spike to bloom according to my experience

[bhawk3]

Thank you for your comments. 1 is Oncidium Lemmon Heart and I'm not sure of the name of the other one it is a Oncidium to. The spike has been out for about 2 months. Guess I just have to wait. Thanks

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Keep your oncidiums in bright light during the day and keep them warm. This will help move them toward blooms sooner. Buds on oncidiums need moisture to develop so don't let them dry out for two long between waterings.

cheers,
BD

[hubesiagosa11]

2 Questions:
How long does it take an orchid to flower from a spike.

How do I go about getting my orchids from a spike to flowering so I can take them to show at my orchid club meeting. Do I give them a weak fertilize daily what is the time frame.

I have Cattalya, Demdrobium, Ocidiums and the temp is between 11 and 25
Thanks for your help

Are they your first ones? Dont worry time will come for them to bloom.