My old orchid is happy but has never flowered. Why not?
I’ve had this orchid for at least six years and it is happy and constantly sending out new leaves and those root things. I repotted it into a larger pot and used orchid potting soil stuff. I water it regularly, and add a little fertilizer to the water now and then. It sits in a north window where it gets good light. What does it need to flower?
I do not think it is really happy – it is lying to you. Each variety of orchid has it’s own requirements to make it bloom. Fertilizer is the difference – but you need to know what fertilizer to use. Google the particular variety you have to see what to use.
You have it right for the plant to live. But, to make it bloom that is the trick. In nature orchids grow in the bark of trees. High humidity close to 90 to 100% for half the year, With lots of rain every day or so for the same half of the year. Remember they grow in trees so they never set in water and the rain drains right off the plant. Then in tropical climates the rain tapers off over several months and then no, or little rain for 2 to 3 months. During the dry season the humidity drops to 40 to 50 %. At the same time many trees loose their leaves so sun light is still filtered, but stronger. When the rain returns the orchids for the most part bloom. But, some bloom during the dry season. It is the change of the seasons that cause the orchid to bloom. You can use a weather link from a tropical area and water when it rains. I grow orchids outside hanging in trees I let mother nature do the watering. Here is a link to my weather station if you want to know when my plants get watered http://www.weatherlink.com/user/lyndadic...
Here is a link to a photo of one of my orchids in bloom. Note that the tree is leafless. http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/...
Fertilize with food made for orchids. Mix at 1/2 strength and only feed during the rainy season.
It is the stress of the dry season that triggers the bloom.