Blooms mismatched with season?

[naturalistSean]

I have a few plants that seem to be struggling after producing spikes months ago. It seems like they are trying to bloom at the wrong time of year so I am seeking advice here. The plants in question are Paph sukhakulii, Doritaenopsis Tzu Chiang 'Sapphire', and Oncidium Chiou Pin 'Chian Tzy Yangtze'. I'll describe what is going on with each one individually below and attach some photos.

Currently the temperature inside is up to 21 C and perhaps down to 19 C on the windowsill. I am in Austria and the current sunrise is at 0746 and sunset at 1618. I don't have supplemental grow lights. The plants simply sit on a windowsill

The Paph sukhakulii has been slow to grow the spike and it was laying on the side on top of the leaves before I staked it. It is rather limp. What I've read about the species indicates that it likes things warm and also likes a gentle winter rest. Because the bud is swelling I decided to water it more often than I would otherwise do this time of year. I don't know if this is why it is sulking a bit. Offshoots are currently forming new leaves.

The Dtps sapphire has taken several months to grow the spikes and buds. I've a couple of rather pale coloured flowers but it has also dropped some buds. It's very sad to discover buds on the windowsill after all this time! I've read elsewhere that this is a plant that likes it warm.

The Oncidium Chiou Pin 'Chian Tzy Yangtze' seems to have paused. It is certainly in need of repotting but I thought I should hold off until after it bloomed. Problem is, it hasn't bloomed and seems to not do anything at the moment.

Anyhow, I am open to advice and input and thank you for reading this!

[K-Sci]

Other than the bud dropping problem, I don't see a lot of cause for worry.

I had a bud dropping problem once due to a gas cooking range. Car exhaust and bbq grill fumes blowing in from a garage or outdoors or from a fireplace can cause buds to drop, as can a lot of smoke from marijuana or tobacco.

A draft at the roots from the cold air that falls down the face of window glass in freeing weather is another possible cause.

A single cycle of under watering while spikes are developing can also cause buds to drop. Over fertilizing is also a candidate for bud drop.

An insufficient day night temperature variation can slow plant growth (cause sulking), as can light levels that are sufficient, but on the low side. These can also cause bud loss.

A significant change in growing conditions can cause bud drop

Growth pausing in the winter with lower temperatures and light levels will also slow growth and can cause bud drop. We are only a few days from the shortest day of the year.

You will have to be the judge on which of the above may apply in your situation, if any. Sometimes buds seem to drop for no apparent reason.


-Keith

[isurus79]

Anecdotally (my own personal experience plus friends who grow under lights), I've found that many species aren't quite as tied to seasonal blooming cycles under lights as those grown with natural sunlight. Some species are also much more free blooming on mature plants with excellent care.

Originally Posted by K-Sci

Car exhaust and bbq grill fumes blowing in from a garage or outdoors or from a fireplace can cause buds to drop, as can a lot of smoke from marijuana or tobacco.

Shoot, your greenhouse sounds a lot more fun than mine!!

[naturalistSean]

Thanks fellas! I might have to invest in lights one of these days. My worry is that these plants more often bloom when the weather is warmer and the daylight is longer. Now with the days getting shorter I think they may not be getting enough light (days get longer here north of the equator after Tuesday which is also my wedding anniversary). Perhaps I can tell my wife that folks on the Orchid Forum suggested that we should really get some grow lights

Le Sigh, although a common occurrence in my younger years, the advent of two young sons means there isn't marijuana smoke in the home these days. Nevertheless it is good to know that smoke and such can be impactful. The orchids do live close to the kitchen and my cooking can fill the air with smells of spices and such.

[Shadeflower]

They look healthy, no leaf wrinkling, good color, are blooming...
Oncidiums bloom in autumn so you are correct yours is developing slower it would seem but like said it looks healthy so I'm sure it's just adapting.
Certainly no worrying signs from what I can see. More light and heat is the only thing missing but you already know that.
From the temps you describe I'd say only light is missing.

I get great results using aquarium grow lights like this one https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Ueetek-E2...9680411&sr=8-7

[Roberta]

I figure that the "right blooming time" is whenever they bloom. I have Oncidiums that bloom in the fall, others in spring or whenever. Most will irritatingly spike and seem to wait forreeevver to open buds that sit there tantalizingly looking like "any minute" ... Relax and let the plants do what they will. Plan things like repotting based on what they "tell" you rather than your schedule. You and the plants will be happier. Orchids teach patience.

[Ray]

How do you manage watering? A dry spell can really stall things.

[Roberta]

"Rain" at my house comes out of a sprinkler or hose. (sprinklers are on a timer... I increase the interval in the winter when things dry more slowly but it's still 2-3 times a week) The natural sort of rain is so uncertain, it's a bonus... if it's raining I may turn off the sprinkler system for a few days. But certainly don't depend on actual rain for anything.

One of my orchid-growing friends, who is a superb outdoor grower, sums up coastal southern California outdoor orchid growing something like this: "Climate is excellent. Just add water and subtract sunlight"

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by naturalistSean

Thanks fellas! I might have to invest in lights one of these days. My worry is that these plants more often bloom when the weather is warmer and the daylight is longer. Now with the days getting shorter I think they may not be getting enough light (days get longer here north of the equator after Tuesday which is also my wedding anniversary). Perhaps I can tell my wife that folks on the Orchid Forum suggested that we should really get some grow lights

Yes, I would imagine the light through your windows at that latitude would not promote good growth or blooming. Good lights are pretty inexpensive and unobtrusive these days!

[naturalistSean]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Yes, I would imagine the light through your windows at that latitude would not promote good growth or blooming. Good lights are pretty inexpensive and unobtrusive these days!

Perfect! Thank you.