how long from buds to bloom
 

My neglected phal I put in rehab is producing buds now. Spike initiation started in early November and now I have about 4 buds. It seems to be doing ok. I hope it's doing ok. This morning I wiped off some droplets of sap on the top part of the spike near the buds. I hope it's happy sappy, not aphid sappy (it's always been indoors). I was wondering about how long it takes on average from the time buds appear to the first actual bloom? :scratchhead:

Thanks for any input!

Looks totally happy to me and there could be more buds to come yet - doesn't look like terminal bud is quite done. Don't fret the "drops" you mentioned. It's fairly common when plant has enough to drink.

As to bud development, it depends on the plant, but it has a ways to go yet. Mine is in about stage.

I agree with Ross. It depends on the plant, how much humidity, light, water, etc.
It looks nice and healthy.
Chris

Thanks Ross & Chris! I had read somewhere that it takes 110 days from spiking to blooms so I was just wondering how true that is.

Good job LinhT! Your first bud there looks like it's swelling nicely! Ooo! You may have it open in a week or two. Awesome! :banana:
I'm thinking about joining the MN Orchid Society...have you ever gone? :scratchhead:

Hi Carolyn!

If it's really a week or two....I'm reeally excited!!!

I've never checked out the MN Orchid Society before but I just looked at the website. I think I missed all the interesting events! I didn't know they had member sales at Linders Greenhouse. I live 15 minutes away from there.
Do you know if membership is required to attend one of those meetings to listen to guest speakers?

Hi LinhT!
I met some members at the St. Paul Winter Carnival's Orchid Show at the Como Conservatory last January. (Not sure when this year's orchid show is :scratchhead: I would like to go!). But they told me visitors are welcome to the meetings. I'm thinking of checking it out sometime when my schedule permits.
It's a little far away for me cuz I'm in the northwest suburb of New Hope, but I'd make an effort if it was worth it. :nod:

MN Orchid Society Show Jan. 26-27
 

The MN Orchid Society website isn't current. I learned on the Como Zoo site that the show is on Jan. 26-27, starting at 10 am, and that there will be orchids for sale!:bananaslide:

I'm in Golden Valley. I thought I'd go right when they open so I could have the most options in shopping. :)

I'm not a member, either.

I went last year, and that's where I was "rebitten" by the bug! :blushing: I didn't buy anything last year, but was kicking myself all year! :_(
If you plan on bring any 'chids home, bring some extra plastic bags to protect them from the wind. The vendors were great and had nice 'chids and tried to package them accordingly, but I would just want to double or triple bag any purchases for extra insulation. :nod:
I think I'll bring my camera this year :photo:! FYI, there are LONG lines to get into some of the room, so it's good to go early (like you said Orchdork).:waving
Maybe we'll run into each other!

MN Orchid Society Show Jan. 26-27
 

Thanks for all the tips, Carolyn! I'll make sure that I follow all those. Smart, smart, smart!

The camera is an even better idea. Sort of "catch and release" for us.....:photo: :photo: :photo:

The bad news is that I'm getting the bug for African Violets, too.... They're cheaper but it adds up-- like Christmas cookies or potato chips....:love: :love:

Becky

LOL, I have my mom's African Violet in my orchidarium right now for the winter. I'm sure they'll be able to co-exist very well for you! :biggrin: :hijacked: Sorry for hijacking the thread!

I'm glad to find out I haven't missed the Winter Carnival yet. Thanks Becky & Carolyn, I'll definitely be out there to check it out. Will the orchids for sale be in the same building as that coffee shop??

Not sure about the coffee shop:hmm , but it's in the windowed hallway in the conservatory by the gift shop. You have to pay for an orchid show ticket to enter the vending area AND the conservatory/exhibits. It was nice to see local and regional vendors...and to see an orchidarium from orchidarium.com :drool: I couldn't afford one from them, but it inspired me to build something like it for my orchids.:nod:

My phals from first bud to bloom is about 60 days. Your pic looks like you have about 30 days to go.
The Orchid Society of Minnesota is meeting on January 19 at 1pm at Bachmann's main office in Minneapolis on Lyndale Ave. Doors open at 12 noon and our speaker is Carson Whitlow from Iowa talking about Blue Cattleya Hybrids. Guests are welcome and I would love to meet those that I talk to on the list. More information will also be given out about the orchid show on the 26-27 of January. If you join the society you can vollunteer to help at the show and get to see all the behind the seen things. Unfortunately I will be in Miami for the WOC on those dates.

Jayme

Carolyn,
I checked out orchidarium.com and those orchidariums with their out of this world prices are soooo nice!

Thanks for that info Jayme! Unfortunately I work on the 19th but I'm definitely looking forward to the Winter Carnival orchid show....

Tracy