Orchid Maturity?

[Cattleya17]

Hello! i know that from seed it takes quite some time 10yrs in some instances for orchids to reach blooming size! so is it the Length of time that an Orchid has been alive that indicates It being mature and thus blooming size or does the actual size of the plant play a more important role in determination? I would imagine that flowers are the most obvious sign that a plant is ready. Also does rate of growth mean anything?

Then you also hear about, Especially with phalaenopsis its leaf span. so on that end what is the average leaf span that a Species Phalaenopsis or any phal will begin blooming? what other indicators are used?

I hope my questions aren't too many haha.

~Sam

[neb]

There is no set timer that goes off to trigger a flower. A plant grown in optimal conditions will mature and flower faster and better than one that is just surviving.