Will they flower? These are the questions...

[tinarae]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, forgive me for jumping in with piggy-back questions. I have a mini slc Ginny Champion "Prince" that I've had for years. I've always pretty much ignored it, and it's never bloomed for me. A few months ago I got the bright idea <G> to point a grow bulb at it. Now it puts out new growth like there's no tomorrow, and the aerial roots are growing like gangbusters. One of the new shoots has a flower sheath, I'm hoping there's actually a bloom inside there! My first question: What makes a mini slc bloom? Is it the stronger light, or the new & improved watering schedule?

Question #2: I just purchased a Leptotes with 2 buds on it. I've put it in the bathroom where the light is bright, but the window is heavily frosted so it's not really direct light, right? I've read that Leptotes like bright light, or that the want moderate shade. There seems to be conflicting information. How do I provide "moderate shade"? What the heck *is* moderate shade? I'd like to actually see the flowers before it goes into the perpetual dormant state of the rest of my plants!

[Becky15349]

Hi, and welcome to the board!!

IMHO, light quality and strength is probably the #1 most important factor in blooming catts. The leaves should be light green. Watering helps and is certainly important, but light is far and above more important. You could water forever (but don't!!) but without sufficient light, it will never bloom. Think a south or southwest window, that's how much light catts need.

Answer to question 2: "moderate light" means an east window, or a shaded south or southwest window. The thicker the leaves, the more sun the orchid can tolerate. I don't know about leptotes specifically, but perhaps someone can chime in with more cultural info. As a rule though, unless your frosted window is a south window with unobstructed light, it probably isn't enough to bloom the orchid again.

again!!

[quiltergal]

I agree with Becky in her assessment of light being the primary factor in blooming Catts. I think you had that Aha moment yourself with the grow light. They can take 2500-3500 foot candles.

The Leptotes is a bit different. OrchidWiz says 1800-2500 foot candles, but the light must be diffused. So if it were me I'd throw it in with the Catts. I have found that most of my plants in general do better with stronger light.

And welcome to OB!