How to treat sulking orchids?

[LoveTheLittleOnes]

About 3 weeks ago I ordered a couple (...okay maybe 10…) orchids online, and for the most part they have all started doing something, root tips becoming active again, newer pbs continuing to grow, leaves maturing etc. All but the one I was really excited about: the Vanilla pompona. In anticipation of my future Audrey from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ I built a media tower and planted her in half and half orchid mix/African violet soil. I spray her everyday and watch for any sign of growth, but sadly it looks like she’s still sulking (I would be too if I was shipped across Canada in the dark and cold for 3 days…). I’m wondering: should I change what I’m doing because she’s sulking? I know that Vanilla, and a number of other species, require a winter rest, and if you overwater or over fertilize you risk root rot. Is sulking like a rest period and one should decrease water and fertilizer? Or is there anything one can do to make an orchid snap out of it? I tried the usual, talking to her, playing happy music, comedies on Netflix, homemade cookies, so far none of my go-to’s seem to resonate with her…

[Ray]

In my experience, Vanilla planifolia is a year-round grower (in my warm greenhouse), and does not need a rest.

[LoveTheLittleOnes]

Thanks Ray! Hopefully she will grow year round for me! I keep my chids in a windowsill (single pane unfortunately), and I haven't had a winter in this apartment yet, so I'm not sure how cold the area will become in winter (I'm in Vancouver BC, so 0 to -5C outside can be expected). It may be that she gets a rest anyway... Or maybe I'll set up a shelving unit away from the window

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by LoveTheLittleOnes

About 3 weeks ago I ordered a couple (...okay maybe 10…) orchids online....

Before long you will find nobody here thinks "10 orchids" represents a large order.

Vanilla

Vanilla species like very warm temperatures, and don't do much when it's not good and hot.

[bil]

Take it outside to the compost heap. Explain what will happen if it doesn't start growing.

[LoveTheLittleOnes]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Before long you will find nobody here thinks "10 orchids" represents a large order.

I was restraining myself! But I will be sure to tell my bf that I'm on the lower end of the scale of people with orchid problems

I'll try increasing the temperature and see if that does anything, thank you!

Originally Posted by bil

Take it outside to the compost heap. Explain what will happen if it doesn't start growing.

But what if she calls my bluff?! Are orchids like children, you better make sure you can back up your threats? If the others hear, they will know I'm a softie!

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by LoveTheLittleOnes

Are orchids like children, you better make sure you can back up your threats?

They seem to be not very bright, but usually brighter than their growers.

[Cym Ladye]

Orchids are also bisexual, not a "he" or a "she", as in breeding they can theoretically act as a male or a female, with only a few exceptions.

[bil]

Originally Posted by LoveTheLittleOnes

But what if she calls my bluff?! Are orchids like children, you better make sure you can back up your threats? If the others hear, they will know I'm a softie!

I once threatened my daughter, that I would stop her watching TV in her room if she didn't behave.
"You can't stop me,, I shall just plug it back in when you are gone." She said.
Down to the basement with a small cash box, filed a notch in the edge of the box to take the TV cable. Back to her room, I put the plug inside the cash box, locked it and smiled. The expression on her face was priceless.

You have to be able to out wit them.

[johng]

Originally Posted by estación seca

They seem to be not very bright, but usually brighter than their growers.

I had a V. planifolia that quickly grew to suniest part of the greenhouse and burned to death. I couldn't train it.