How long does it take for...

[Lilac]

a dendrobium spike to grow and actually bloom?

I have several that I bought without blooms as well as a couple of Cattleyas and they all seem to have developed new growths and some seem to be the mitten shape I read about.

and should I use blooming fertilizer now, or just continue with the weak solution of 30-10-10 Miracle Grow I'm giving them now?

Thanks

[nutgirl]

It depends a lot on the age of the plant and what the growing conditions are. Can you send pictures?

You may want to cut back on the nitrogen in your fertilizer. It may be encouraging plant growth instead of flowers. Many growers just use a more balanced formula all the time.

Maureen

[ronaldhanko]

Agreed on the fertilizer. If there are spikes started that can take a while, if not, then the fertilizer may be the problem. Also, some Dendrobiums require a really dry rest in order to bloom. If you submit pictures someone can tell you what kind of Dendrobiums you have and give better advice on growing and blooming them.

[Lilac]

Thanks guys! I don't know how old they are as I got them recently. Some I got in bloom, but some were from the 40% clearance after the blooms had dropped so I'm assuming they were in bloom at some point.

I'm giving them the high nitro because I wanted to encourage root growth since I repotted them all.

But I have notice some growths, I just don't know what they are. I'll go take pictures now

Thanks!

[Lilac]

I only know for sure that one is the orange "Fiery" Cattleya with the black spots that I had to cut off the spotted leaves, but it seems to be growing something.

The others I'm not sure if they are Catts or Dends, they had no tags. But they all seem to have growths.

Any info on what the growths are will be greatly appreciated!

It's just that I'm dying here for them to bloom so I can see what I have

Thanks guys!

[AnonYMouse]

Second pic looks like a den, maybe the last one too, the rest catts. Can you get pics of the whole plants?

I don't grow this kind of den but others do. Wait for their response.

[nutgirl]

From the pics it looks like you have Phalaenopsis type Dendrobiums. They typically bloom from the new growths after they mature. They like lots of light and comfortable temperatures, 60's - 80's if indoors.
Both your Cattleyas and Dendrobiums will grow new roots from the base of the new shoots.

High nitrogen will not encourage root growth. Orchids prefer a more balanced fertilizer (equal numbers like 10-10-10 or close to it. Too much nitrogen inhibits the formation of flower spikes.

Have you checked the condition of the potting medium? Clearance orchids are often in need of new potting material or you run the risk of rotted roots.

Hope this helps

Maureen