rossioglossum rawdon jester

[Asca]

So I'm wonder how others get their rossioglossum rawdon jester to flower. I repoted mine last spring while it had new growths. the 2 new growths quickly became 5, but no spikes. Now I have another 3 new growths, but now spikes. Are there any tricks or anything that can encourage flowering?

[Ray]

It would really help if you could fill us in on your complete culture regimen, but considering your ability to get it to grow so well, my first thought is “too much nitrogen”. Tell us about that.

[Asca]

Sorry. Well it's in a wooden raft/basket in bark. I water once a week. First I flush with water then fertilize with Orchid Focus grow. It grows under grow LEDs with the other orchids. It's usually around 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day and 18 to 25 at night. That's about it. Never thought it could be too much fertilizer.

[Ray]

Based upon the typical culture of the parents of the hybrid, I would say that you're growing it at about 5°-10°C warmer than it would really prefer - both day and night. I don't know if they specifically need colder temperatures to bloom, but I wouldn't be surprised.

What is the N-P-K formula of Orchid Focus and how much are you using?

[Asca]

N 2.9% P2O5 1.9 K2O 2.13 CaO 1.72. % m/v. I take 7.5 ml diluted to 1.35 l

[Ray]

That's just a bit over 50 ppm N, so very likely not so much that it would slow blooming.

I'd look more toward the temperature, and possibly the need for a cool, winter rest with no food.

[Asca]

Ok I'll give it a try. Hopefully it's that simple, though I feel a little stupid. Thank you.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Asca

Ok I'll give it a try. Hopefully it's that simple, though I feel a little stupid. Thank you.

No, no, no! Don't feel stupid. We all go through stuff like that from time to time, and you're apparently doing a fine job of growing it.