So happy with my orchids!

[plantluvver]

I summered my orchids outside along the North side of my house. Unfortunately, I remembered to water them only four or five times during the summer.

However, everyone survived, And so far, I have had two plants bloom. When I watered them last, I noticed either a spike or what I think will be a flower on three other plants. (in total,I own only 10 plants, and I have no greenhouse)

I am really thrilled that these are blooming during the winter, when it is generally cloudy and often too wet to garden much outside. And also that they are not blooming all at once, but are spread out over time.

But keeping my fingers crossed, because I have read that some plants bloom as a last chance before death.

[bil]

Well, the majority of mine are blooming now, so with a bit of luck you'll be OK.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Well good for you on the blooming. So the plants look healthy? If so I'm guessing there happy.

[Helene]

Originally Posted by plantluvver

But keeping my fingers crossed, because I have read that some plants bloom as a last chance before death.

Thats an interesting part of plants, and I could go on for many pages explaining that.
Different plants and different ways of doing their thing. It all comes down to the same as with most living creature- make sure your genes are passed on.

Some plants are timed after light- and will need a certain amount of sun vs night- some flowers when the fall starts- like when the sun starts to be up for less than 12 hours, some also needs temperature different. I have grown plants in artifical light (not orchids), and then I read alot about this, get to know your specie, and its easier to manipulate and to fake nature. And have to say- dang thats fascinating. I'm a nerd. So yeah… but english isnt my language, so a bit hard to write anything that isnt easy and simple😜😂

Anyway- most of them make flowers to get pollinated, and they will do that when they think its almost out of season. (Again, different kinds, different way of doing this. Havent read that much about orchids, so more in general)

Anyway- no need to worry- they will do the same over and over again. Producing keiki can be a sign that the plant thinks its gonna die, and want to make sure it can live on through the keiki. A keiki can be a sign that the mother plant are distressed, but doesnt have to be.

Well, that was a short version. So enjoy your plants, and your flowers- hopefully they will live on for many years😃👍🏻

[plantluvver]

Actually, the plants looked stressed, pleated leaves, wrinkled pseudobulbs. Lack of new growth on some. So far, I water them all the same, more or less. And usually less. I have not been doing any feeding. I am thinking that when blooming is done, I will take them out of the pots and have a look at them. (Except, of course, the mounted ones.)

I find looking at and handling roots scary. They are underground because the belong there, and I am scared to investigate. In my head, I know that many problems are due to unhealthy roots, and I should get over my squeamishness. And the only way to get more comfortable is to practice.