Paphiopedilum Heron's Faire has not bloomed

[Wehr4bonnie]

(White Heron 'Giant' x fairroeanum fma album 'Lime White')

Has not bloomed since I brought it home from a orchid show 1-1/2 years ago. I water it once a week and it has been in an east window. The vendor has looked at the plant and says that it is healthy - but I want to see it bloom again. Apparently it needs to be stressed to bloom? Tell me how - thanks!

[billc]

I don't know that it needs to be stressed to bloom. Paphs need or like to be repotted every year or so. Here's some basic culture info:
The Lady's Slipper Orchid by Fox Valley Orchid

Bill

[Wehr4bonnie]

The info attached was general information. I specifically typed in the cross hybrid info, because I was told to google both to find out what each 'half' of the plant needs. What site can I do this on?

[Tommyr]

Usually plants that don't bloom are lacking either enough light, fertilizer or a combo of both.

[silken]

OrchidWiz says the farrieanum parent requires bright but indirect light to do well. Its a very cool winter grower at mid 50'sF for days and low 40'sF for nights. As well, it gets lots of moisture spring thru fall but has a fairly dry winter although not going completely dry. Growers do well giving this a high nitrogen feed spring and summer and then increasing the phosphates in late summer and fall to encourage bloom and harden off the new growths. I don't have this Paph so have no idea if it does well with warmer temps. The other parent is a fairly complex Paph. and takes medium to low light and cool to warm temps. those are just guidelines but maybe giving it a bit more light (slowly) and letting it be cooler and drier in winter might help.

[orchidsarefun]

other than the cooler temps, it also requires year round humidity of 60-70%. I doubt that you can meet these requirements without a special set-up like a greenhouse or an orchidarium. Just a thought - maybe the vendor ( or someone ) can board the plant for you in Winter and then you outdoors it in Summer - or at least get it back for blooming ?

[RJSquirrel]

dropping the temps to 50 or even 40 to mimic wintering should set you some activity for spikes in late winter/early spring

Those arent difficult to bloom plants and you should even have multiple buds per spike. The 2nd bloom is always damaged goods though from my own experiences. Look like they got hit in the jawbone and get crumpled pouches.