Need to know where to start

[Grant]

Hi I am new here, however, I have been growing flowerless orchids for years! I need the title to a decent book for orchid care. I recently kicked out all of the orchids residing in my lanai and attached them to the trees in my yard so nature can take care of them. I can keep them green and growing but they never bloom. I scolded them and kicked them out so either they will bloom and beg for forgiveness or I will get some good info and raise some orchids in my lanai. I figure the others wil be jealous then and want to come back. Please help if you can.

[bitis78]

G'day Grant,

It's embarrassing for me that I can't remember the name of one of the books in my collection, but it's by Brian and Wilma Rittershausen and I believe it would be perfect for you. I'm guessing it's called "Growing Orchids" or suchlike, but I am at work, two hours away from home, so I can't run and check just now...lol

In my experience lack of flowers denotes inappropriate light levels. Different orchids, however, require different levels of light to prosper. Can you give us any names of what you're growing?

Cheers,
Andrew.

[Grant]

Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis orchids. I started growing them indoors, then moved them outdoors to the lanai and tried many different spots to control light but I am just not sure what the problem is. It could be a multitude of issues. That is why I feel a definitive book of orchids might get me going in the right direction.

[slipperfreak]

Andrew's right - Wilma and Brian Ritterhausen have written some great books for beginners. My personal favorite is "Orchids for Every Home", published by Reader's Digest in 2004.

[bitis78]

Most Dendrobiums like good strong light - and some, like D. speciosum, will enjoy direct sunlight. Phals like low light across the board - such as you would use for Paphs and African violets.

A good fertilising regime is also important for promoting growth strong enough to lead to a good flowering. Many good soluble fertilisers are available, some that are specific to the genera of orchids you are treating.