Frequently Asked Questions

"For the Cattleya alliance, how far away is it from blooming? (I am puzzled because based on the pollination date, they seem to be 5 or 6 years old.) How about the dendrobium?"
Wesley Teo, Indiana

There seems to be a number of factors that determine when an orchid will bloom. One factor is chronological age. You can determine the age of any one of our crosses by referencing the pollination date. This will give you an idea of the orchid's age.

Another important factor is size of plant. Some orchids from the same seed pod will grow at different rates. Compounded with the seven separate replanting - in flask and out of flask - that occur before they reach our seedling size, differentials extend the range of sizes that a particular cross may have. Faster growing orchids are transplanted more quickly and grow faster, while slower growing plants are postponed from replanting so they can lag behind. Thus pot size is another indication of how soon an orchid will bloom. If an orchid is in a 4" pot they are much closer to blooming than a seedling size, often by a long shot.

Genetic background is another consideration when determining blooming. Orchids that are genetically smaller can also bloom in a smaller pot. Thus quite of few of the mini types will bloom in the 2 1/2" pots.

Another consideration is season. Some cattleyas have a specific season. Although most of the cattleya alliance we raise have a two to three time blooming season per year, some varieties will just bloom once a year. These are more likely the large flowering types and ones that give a huge show of blossoms. The only cattleya alliance that I know of, in our inventory that will bloom only once a year is Epi. Nursery Rhyme. The other 95% of our inventory are multi-season bloomers, given our climate.

If you are wondering when a particular seedling you would like to order will bloom, may I suggest selecting a 4" pot instead. Raising orchids from seedling size is really for the hobbyist who loves the process just as much or more than the reward of the flowering. Also, usually the first time an orchid blooms you are just seeing a hint of it's potential. Meaning, the blossoms may be smaller and even sometimes underdeveloped. The amount of blossoms will certainly be less than when the plant reaches maturity. So even for the 4" pot size, there is still a long way to go before the orchid expresses its fullest potential which is what is desired by most orchid growers.

So with a 4" pot you can not only enjoy the orchid blooming a lot sooner, but you can still give it the care that it will need to really show you what it can do after a few years.

So when will an orchid bloom? It depends on the combination of maturity, size, season and ultimately the quality of care. Orchids will bloom when they receive all the elements that make for quality growth. A well grown orchid will bloom sooner and with more blossoms, fragrance, lasting qualities, etc. So if you are an excellent grower and can provide ideal conditions, seedlings can bloom fairly soon in a matter of less than six months. And if you are an excellent grower and can raise an orchid from seedling to a 4" pot in six months, wow.

Our days are longer and temperatures are warmer than most parts of the United States. The farther north you live the more you have to compensate with additional lighting and heat. Your advantage begins in the spring when your days get longer and by summer you have longer days than we do. We even know of growers in the States that can bloom an orchid from seedling sooner than us. Yes, they are excellent growers, but also the orchids take advantage of the increase in daylight that higher latitudes experience during the movement from spring to summer into fall.

This added day length can also propel orchids to bloom much sooner. Growing orchids are especially rewarding during the spring when growth seems to take on a whole new dimension. Many of the Cattleya tribe also bloom during the spring and again in the fall through winter, while the dendrobiums peak in their blooming during the summer.

Oh, I forgot, the Grammatophylums also have a specific season. These orchids put on a spectacular display with potentially hundreds of blossoms, but only once a year. Many of the once-a-year bloomers are extraordinary when they bloom, and it seems like it's nature's way of equitable compensation.

When I receive my orchids do I need to repot them immediately?

When orchids are in bud or blooming it is not recommended that they be repotted until the blossoms are finished. If you can't resist repotting them, you may sacrifice the duration and the quality of the blooms.

Generally orchids that are in the 4" and 2 1/2" pots can grow in the containers until they start growing out of the pot or the media has deteriorated. Sometimes they need to be braced with something or placed in a heavier porous (clay) for support.

Seedlings on the other hand should be repotted soon after arrival. Techniques for repotting vary depending on the choice of media and type of container or mounting material used. Your best source of information on repotting can be obtained by searching the web or visiting your local bookstore. The media and technique we employ is aimed at providing a light weight, moisture retentive condition conducive to shipping. They are not necessarily ideal for the home grower.

For the home grower we suggest using a heavier aggregate (rocks) since it is inert (doesn't decompose) and provides adequate drainage. The weight also counter balances the top heavy nature of the orchid plant. Eventually all of your orchid collection would be best if grown in the same media so you can approximate watering for all your plants.

Experienced orchid growers probably have their own special media and pots which accomodates their specific climate. The information gained through experience and association with other orchid hobbists in your area is invaluable and we suggest joining an orchid society in your area especially if you are new to orchids. You can click here to find your nearest orchid society.