Basic question about maturation rate

[HiOrcDen]

So I've got a really basic question haha... how long does it take for an Orchid classified as a seedling to mature to blooming age? I'm sure it varies by species, but what is a typical range of timeframe?

[Louis_W]

I'm gonna say 2-4 years depending on the age and the species. Some plants can take 10 or more years to finally bloom and I'm sure there are a few out there that can be faster.

Usually the nursery you buy plants from will give you a range for their plants.

[Keysguy]

Originally Posted by HiOrcDen

So I've got a really basic question haha... how long does it take for an Orchid classified as a seedling to mature to blooming age? I'm sure it varies by species, but what is a typical range of timeframe?

Not only does it vary by species but it is also highly dependent on the growing conditions it is provided. In nature, it's what we would refer to as "weather dependent".

But in a grossly general viewpoint probably 3 years.

[Ray]

There are some Paph species that are so slow, folks over 40 are warned to avoid their seedlings, as it is unlikely they’ll ever see them bloom.

[HiOrcDen]

I have not been very attentive to checking the age of the plant, in certain cases, mainly because some were super cheap and species that caught my eye haha. I have several that are medium to very large, and a good number of small, miniature, and micro species, so at least I know that most of my plants will bloom in a reasonable time!

And that's pretty amazing about the Paphs!

[tmoney]

Originally Posted by HiOrcDen

I have not been very attentive to checking the age of the plant, in certain cases, mainly because some were super cheap and species that caught my eye haha. I have several that are medium to very large, and a good number of small, miniature, and micro species, so at least I know that most of my plants will bloom in a reasonable time!

And that's pretty amazing about the Paphs!

you sound like us....15 euro, yeah, that's a great deal for that flower! see the plant....need a magnifying glass

if your like us you'll eventually just give in and buy some flasks along with blooming plants!

[nemesis]

Just pondering the thought of purchasing a flask. Don’t know if I can keep all those seedlings going, and I sure don’t want to lose them in mass. Done a lot of resource, but hmmmmmm.

[tmoney]

Originally Posted by nemesis

Just pondering the thought of purchasing a flask. Don’t know if I can keep all those seedlings going, and I sure don’t want to lose them in mass. Done a lot of resource, but hmmmmmm.

meh, don't let the orchid snobs fool you, it ain't that tricky....

[estación seca]

Pick a known vigorous species or hybrid for your first flask, not something delicate or needing temperatures difficult for you to provide. I might suggest a hybrid Cattleya alliance plant. Hybrids with Brassavola nodosa ancestry tolerate lower humidity in the home just fine. They do need a bright window to grow well.

[HiOrcDen]

Originally Posted by tmoney

you sound like us....15 euro, yeah, that's a great deal for that flower! see the plant....need a magnifying glass

if your like us you'll eventually just give in and buy some flasks along with blooming plants!

Haha, I'm talking about a mere 15 US!

Well flasks seem really cool! Bet they'd be fascinating to grow, ore especially create them. Though for now I'd like to see some quicker gratification with lots of flowers...