what's the hardest orchid you've grown?

[Subrosa]

My B. nodosa bloomed for me under led lighting which I would call at best moderately bright. My Maxillaria tenuifolia didn't bloom under the same intensity, but Phals do nicely and get a noticeable red tinge. I doubt that light is Tommy's problem.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Bras. little star Philip. And trust me, it is blooming size, I got 2, one for me one for friend, some 5 years ago, her plant is grown outside like mine, on direct sun like mine, she sucks with fertilizing, and does not care at all, she has orchids at garden, just hosing them when there is no rain, Her plant is like 1/5th size of mine, has maybe some 20 leaves and blooms the whole year. My plant is with some 50+ leaves, huge monster, on direct sun, feeding it regular, had never bloomed. I got both from Kawamoto, we are both growing outside in Florida, I am already on the edge and it will go, I did try everything and anything to make this "easy to bloom" orchid bloom and nothing works :-))))

[LovePhals]

I have a Dendroium Pierrardi x loddgessi that I have had 3 years and no bloom. I also don't get great root growth. It grows but doesn't seem too happy. I also tried it outside but I could barely keep aphids off of it for some reason, only that plant. I also have a phal noid that is with my other phals that won't bloom. I have had it almost 3 years, and this year is it's last chance. I am partial to it b/c I saved it from death but it needs to reward me now...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

@TOMMYMIAMI: Try watering less in the winter, and more in the warmer months. See if that does anything.

If that doesn't work, try growing warmer.

If that doesn't work, try both.

[LovePhals]

I could probably keep it drier, but when I have done that the roots shrivel and dry, so that makes me think I have to keep watering. It is supposed to be nobile I thought so I was trying to keep it cooler, is that wrong?

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by TOMMYMIAMI

Bras. little star Philip. And trust me, it is blooming size, I got 2, one for me one for friend, some 5 years ago, her plant is grown outside like mine, on direct sun like mine, she sucks with fertilizing, and does not care at all, she has orchids at garden, just hosing them when there is no rain, Her plant is like 1/5th size of mine, has maybe some 20 leaves and blooms the whole year. My plant is with some 50+ leaves, huge monster, on direct sun, feeding it regular, had never bloomed. I got both from Kawamoto, we are both growing outside in Florida, I am already on the edge and it will go, I did try everything and anything to make this "easy to bloom" orchid bloom and nothing works :-))))

Did you try doing nothing? I know from experience that there are many non-orchids that will grow crazy well, but not bloom if they get too much fertilizer, particularly nitrogen. Try putting your plant on a bread & water diet without the bread.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by LovePhals

I could probably keep it drier, but when I have done that the roots shrivel and dry, so that makes me think I have to keep watering. It is supposed to be nobile I thought so I was trying to keep it cooler, is that wrong?

Oops…

Should've posted more clearly.

I was referring to TOMMYMIAMI's Brassavola.

For you, (LovePhals), a somewhat similar treatment.

Give your Dendrobium hybrid a winter rest. No fertilizer, very little water, and a cooler winter.

Do not keep watering and fertilizing these guys during the winter. Dendrobiums within the section Dendrobium need their winter rest, otherwise they stall, or they eventually die. They start behaving in ways kinda like what you're seeing.

This is something I've always mentioned about Dens that need a hard winter rest. I have a difficult time believing it when there is advice that mentions that watering and fertilizing these kinds of Dens during winter will have no effect on them. I've pretty much observed on several occasions the very same thing you've mentioned when they are watered or fertilized regularly during their winter dormancies.

[LovePhals]

Ok thank you! I will try your advice and hope it improves. the plant has very pretty foliage but the flowers will be beautiful as well if I can ever get it there.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by LovePhals

Ok thank you! I will try your advice and hope it improves. the plant has very pretty foliage but the flowers will be beautiful as well if I can ever get it there.

I hope the advice works out for you and you will eventually get the desired results.

I have one other thing to mention…

Should your Den eventually bloom, the first time it blooms for you, don't expect it to be a grand display. It might be, but it also might not.

When the plant fully recovers, you'll find that the parents have contributed some very nice genetics to your plant. It should be a rather spectacular show.

[mremensnyder]

The hardest for me have been several of the Telipogon species and some of the cooler growing Lepanthes species. Lepanthes filamentosa sticks out in my mind. This absolutely lilliputian orchid did not last long in my care back in early 2006. I would like to give it another try but I have not seen it available since. I truly feel that Lepanthes filamentosa is likely the world's smallest orchid species.