marrying a plant to it's medium!

[CodiMN]

Hey all, sorry I've been a ghost for a while.

I tend to have most of my orchids in a bark mix and one in s/h from Ray's.
I've sadly not gotten my orchids to re-bloom (many are young I know ), so I've wondered if my medium could be at fault. Lots of root and green growth, just no blooms.
What types of medium do you like to use for your 'chids? Let me know what 'chid likes which medium best! I'm going to try switching lighting next...that'll be my next thread!

[camille1585]

Why don't you try changing the lighting first? I don't really see how the mix could be the problem. Mine also had lots of new root and leaf growth (and no blooms), so in June I tried moving my orchids to a sunnier window and increased the artificial light, and now it's spikes galor!!
Oh I forgot to say; my orchids are all in bark with a bit of chopped sphag mixed in. I add the sphag since the air is dry here and the plants dry out to fast

[whygreenberg]

Heya, Carolyn! I'm with Camille on this one. I added some supplemental CFL light to my growing area, and once I did, all my orchids responded almost immediately. Suddenly growth and new roots all over the place! I dunno if I can credit with light increase with any of my recent bloomers, but I have a feeling it's going to really help going forward.

[Uechi]

The delineators are light, water, humidity and fertilizer. Once and awhile you will get a " mule " a plant that refuses to bloom,but most of the time the above apply. What could use improving?Whoops also forgot if the plant is too young it isn't going to bloom and that varies not only on the same species,but among species etc.

[Ross]

Also, you haven't said how large the plants are. Are they, in fact, blooming size? Are they root bound (for those that require that - like ceratin Dendros). There are lots of factors leading to blooming besides the ones listed here (above).