What is this, and why can't I get it to bloom?

[Ross]

You haven't burned her. In fact the coloring may be perfect. If we knew what genus this was, we could tell for sure. The pseudobulbs lead me to think this is able to take high light. Just keep it the same. The only thing I can think of (without someone chiming in with the genus) is that it may be deciduous. If so, it will never bloom without a winter rest. Before you go trying this wait for a response on the kind of orchid. I don't think you've done anything wrong so far.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Ross

Wait a minute! Purple leaves? Not enough light? I'd bet this guy is getting all the light he can handle without frying! I'd also bet you'll need a couple years under your grow conditions (don't change anything ) before you see another spike. It just works that way. Most orchids have to aclimate themselves to the new conditions before they will settle in. Some drop leaves, some sulk (no growths or no action) some turn reddish from high light, some just jump right out with a new spike. No way to know for sure, but until this guy has a couple more years with you, I wouldn't worry. ps: I have no clue what kind it is. I am very certain it is getting all the light it can handle, however.

Ross is right. Dont change any conditions for this plant! It looks REALLY healthy and it just takes a while for some plants to recover from their experiences at the retail stores. My guess is that you will get blooms within the following year, whenever it is that this particular plant blooms. If you are just itchin to do something with this one, I would back off a tiny bit on the watering regimine when the newest p-bulb is mature. This often initiates buds.

[Robin the Orchid Lover]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Ross is right. Dont change any conditions for this plant! It looks REALLY healthy and it just takes a while for some plants to recover from their experiences at the retail stores. My guess is that you will get blooms within the following year, whenever it is that this particular plant blooms. If you are just itchin to do something with this one, I would back off a tiny bit on the watering regimine when the newest p-bulb is mature. This often initiates buds.

Thank you!

Now for the stupid question...how do I determine maturity?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Robin the Orchid Lover

Thank you!

Now for the stupid question...how do I determine maturity?

If it blooms, its mature!! If not, then its either not mature or is still recovering from its earlier mal-treatment. Without seeing what its flowers look like, then we have no idea what it is and therefore no way to tell if its mature.

[Robin the Orchid Lover]

Originally Posted by isurus79

If it blooms, its mature!! If not, then its either not mature or is still recovering from its earlier mal-treatment. Without seeing what its flowers look like, then we have no idea what it is and therefore no way to tell if its mature.

A classic Catch-22!

[RoyalOrchids]

Just remember who guessed Epidendrum Mabel Kanda.

[Robin the Orchid Lover]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Just remember who guessed Epidendrum Mabel Kanda.

Gotcha!



Sounds like I won't be able to know what it is until it blooms though...

[ronaldhanko]

I noticed two things when I looked at the picture: (1) the purple color in the leaves which almost certainly indicates that the plant is getting exactly the light it needs, and (2) the fact that each growth is bigger than the last, which shows that the plant is still reaching its full potential all of which adds up to "keep on doing what you're doing and be patient."
The plants that are sold commercially in the box stores and grocery stores are often forced into bloom while still small and usually need to grow a bit before blooming again.

[Robin the Orchid Lover]

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

I noticed two things when I looked at the picture: (1) the purple color in the leaves which almost certainly indicates that the plant is getting exactly the light it needs, and (2) the fact that each growth is bigger than the last, which shows that the plant is still reaching its full potential all of which adds up to "keep on doing what you're doing and be patient."
The plants that are sold commercially in the box stores and grocery stores are often forced into bloom while still small and usually need to grow a bit before blooming again.

Good answer!!

Thank you!

[D&S Mabel]

That really does look like a version of Epi. Mabel Kanda, and if it is, mine has bloomed in late April / early May the last three years running... and my Epi. Mabel Kanda 'Miyao' x Epi. Randianum shortly after it each year as well.

I treat them like a cattleya.