Please HELP...

[italiana78]

Hello! I'm a beginner at growing orchids and needed some information. I recently went to the Orchid Show in town and purchased a beautiful plant with two blooms. It's been about 3-4 weeks and the blooms have died. Is there anything special that I need to do to the plant itself so that it will bloom again in the future? The blooms fell off by themselves. I'd appreciate all the help I can get. Thank you. Signed-Vickie

[cneos]

Vickie -- you're at the right place for info on orchids. Welcome!

What kind of orchid did you buy? Some orchids will rebloom from the original growth (such as phalaenopsis) while others bloom on NEW pseudobulbs.

Does your plant have a name or were you given any info at the show?

[gands]

Hi Vickie,

First off we need to know what the plant is ? It is impossible to give advice not knowing what kind of orchid we are talking about.

[italiana78]

WOW! Thanks for the quick responses. I did receive some information from the seller. It is called a Hybrid Cattleya Orchid 'orchis'.

[smartie2000]

That one is going to need high light. I recomend a southern window, but eastern/western will be your next best choice.
Place no farther than a foot away from the window.
Water about every 5 days if it is in bark. It's suggested to let the bark dry a little before waterings.

[smartie2000]

BTW it will bloom from a new pseudobulb. its gonna be a beatiful one I love cattleyas

[italiana78]

Thank you. I've got her at a south/west facing window at a table that's right by the window. I water my orchids once a week, sometimes twice depending on how dry the bark is... Any other tips to keep them healthy and growing? How often do they usually bloom? I've heard anywhere from once a year to three times a year. Depends on the species I suppose...

[gands]

I agree with the other advice you have been getting here. I would maybe suggest a humidity tray of some type under the plant, not so much now but in the summer it will be quite beneficial. Were your blooms splash petaled? The reason I ask is the name 'Orchis' There is a beautiful hybrid called Blc. Chinese Beauty 'Orchis' I wonder if that is what you have, if so it should bloom on mature p bulbs once a year. Here is a photo of ours, is yours like it ?

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! Most Catts bloom once a year so far as I know. I'm crossing my fingers hoping that two I got last spring rebloom for me this year. Ahhh, its a looooooooong wait!

[smartie2000]

Yes there seems to be something missing from the name...was it like the one above? It should be exactly the same since its a clone