PDA

View Full Version : Second time around orchids

dinahsmum
06-05-2009, 02:26 PM
One day I was at my mums and noticed an orchid. Oh that's nice, I said, did you treat yourself or was it a gift? No, she said, it's last year's one, flowering again!
Stupid me - I didn't even know you could get them to re-flower.

So - here's mine, second time around. The flowers are bigger/better than first time - it's glorious. (And I have a second one, throwing up (!) a flower spike in the bathroom)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC02417.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/Dinahsmum/DSC02418.jpg
MrsH
06-05-2009, 02:27 PM
I've totally failed at this a couple of times now so you'll have to share the secret of your success. Your orchid is gorgeous!
Mags
06-05-2009, 02:45 PM
That's a beauty DM!

I've bought one for the first time this year, all the flowers are blooming now so I hope I'll be able to see this one flower again next year too.

My daughter also has one that is having its second year of flowering...
Moli
06-05-2009, 02:59 PM
You are clever DM, thats beautiful, I am afraid me and orchids just do not do well!
dinahsmum
06-05-2009, 03:08 PM
No Moli - it couldn't be easier
When they have finished flowering just cut off the spike and put the plant somewhere 'quiet' and ignore it for 6 months or so. The leaves will go quite limp and you will think you have killed it. Then put it back in a nice light place, give it a good drink, watch it till the leaves and the aerial roots get plum and green, continue to water very sparingly and it will just do its thing.
I haven't used any fertilizer or similar
I think they thrive on neglect - just my kind of plant
angieh
06-05-2009, 03:20 PM
What a beautiful orchid - even though you say you've neglected it DM, I think you must have some kind of magic!
Kim
06-05-2009, 08:44 PM
We have an orchid that is flowering for its 3rd year, it is never as beautiful as when we were first given it though. Your orchid is lovely Hilary, quite stunning.
calismum
06-05-2009, 09:48 PM
What a beautiful colour it is. Never tried one, always thought they were 'difficult' but reading this - maybe . . . .
Leesy
06-05-2009, 09:50 PM
That orchid is a beautiful colour and size, I myself don`t have much luck with them, they don`t seem to like me:roll: :roll:
Mags
06-05-2009, 10:06 PM
http://which-review.org.uk/80 (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/%7Eorchidpotplants.asp)

Give them a try! ;)
(http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/%7Eorchidpotplants.asp)
dandysmom
06-05-2009, 10:10 PM
That's a phalenopsis (moth orchid) and the easiest one to grow and have rebloom. I don't use the same technique (except for cutting off the old boom spike): I put mine outside for the Summer months; don't fertilize or anything; then bring back indoors when it gets cold. They're easily mass produced by growers so aren't very expensive...my Whole Foods market sells them!
pookyandjo
07-05-2009, 01:02 PM
beautiful orchid DM...love the colour!