What should I do to get it to bloom?

[Say1rah]

I have had this orchid for about 3 years. It seems to be growing out of the pot that it is in--original pot. It has never bloomed. What do I need to do to get it to bloom?

[camille1585]

Nice looking plant! I am fairly certain that it's a Cattleya or something similar. As for not blooming, if it's a Catt, these orchids need a lot of light in order to bloom.
Can you give more information on how you grow it? For example, do you fertilize it? Where is it growing?

I don' grow Catts, since I can't give them enough light. But there are plenty of people here who do grow them, so they should be able to help!

[Say1rah]

It grows in an East facing window. I water it with orchid fertilizer when it dries out. Blooming orchid fertilizer every 3rd watering. I live in central Texas so we get fairly consistent bright light both summer and winter--of course the days are shorter in the winter months and I do not suppliment with extra lighting.

[Austinerd]

I have one like that that I bought over 3 years ago in Austin, TX. I only vaguely remember what the flower looked like...and it hasn't bloomed for me either. Getting a brighter light setup so hopefully that will do the trick.
Sorry, I know this doesn't help you......I am a rookie.
Good luck all the same,
Dan in Austin

[Roly0217]

It defientely has brassavola somewhere in the mix so it means that it needs high light; the leaves are a bit too green for what I would like to see. It should be a lighter green; sometimes with a hint of purple along the edges. It means that the plant is getting the maximun amount of light it needs.

[Lagoon]

I agree, its too dark in color. Looks like it needs more light in order for it to be blooming. Catts do like to have a little sunshine in their lives

Keep the sphagnum moss fresh or the wetness will choke out the roots.
What are the numbers on you're ferts?

[Royal]

Hey, alright! A Texas thread!

I agree with all the above. Rolando's right, looks like a Brassavola hybrid. Gradually increase it's light. Try a south facing window in the winter and outdoors any time night temps are above 50 ish.

Another thing, excess nitrogen can actually prevent blooming. Shoot for about 125 ppm N and don't for get to flush with plain water about every 4th watering.

[Say1rah]

Orchid Bloom Booster 11-35-15 every 3rd or 4th watering
and Orchid plus 20-14-13 otherwise. I have soaked it by letting the water run through the plant to try and keep salts from building up.

[greenbean]

Have you ever repotted it? Aside from the orchid hanging over the edge quite a bit, meaning it probably needs to be repotted, most mediums don't last 3 years. Looks like it's growing in sphag moss? As Lagoon said, keep it fresh, that means don't let it get too compacted or soggy.

[Say1rah]

No, but I will. It is a Bc. Little Mermaid "Janet" pink. I have seen a picture of it and will do all in my power to get mine to bloom.