Angraarcum leonis-a gorgeous orchid from Africa
Angraecum leonis is a compact orchid from Madagascar. It like warmth an high humidity to produce its large fragrant blooms. It is adaptable to a range of light conditions.

WHY WON'T MY ORCHIDS FLOWER?
Beginners are often frustrated by a seemingly healthy plant that won't to bloom. We'll tell you how to re-bloom your orchids, especially paphiopedilums (slippers), phalaenopsis (moth orchids), oncidiums and dendrobiums (phalenopsis types). Don't worry if you don't recognize the names-our tips cover the majority of orchids easily available.

I will assume that your plants are healthy with lots of new leafy green growths and good roots. If you don't have a healthy plant, don't expect it to flower! Sometimes weak plants, such as moth orchids will bloom prolifically, but this will be their swan song and they will die soon after. If you're not getting blooms AND your plants are healthy, read on..

Here are the main reasons orchid will not bloom and what you can do about it. One or more reasons may apply to you:

#1. GIVE YOUR ORCHIDS ENOUGH LIGHT Most flowering houseplants, orchids included, will not bloom if they are not getting enough light. This is generally the main reason that orchids do not bloom. Northern exposure is usually not sufficient. A bright western, slightly shaded in the hottest months, or eastern exposure work well. A southern exposure gives you the greatest flexibility. If your window is heavily shaded by trees or adjacent buildings, this will reduce light to your plants and you will have to make adjustments accordingly. If you have bright indirect light, your phals and paphs should do fine. Oncidiums generally need slightly brighter light. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas need the brightest light of alll, and do best in a Southern exposure.

[Left] Maudiae type slipper orchids like this one will bloom in low light. Some have had success blooming these in an unobstructed northern window, though brighter light is recommended.

Skylights, unless you live in Arizona, or unless they are about five feet above the plants generally do not provide sufficient light, for all but the most shade-loving of orchids. Please don't email me and tell me your orchids do fine under your skylight-perhaps they do but I need to make some broad generalizations here. And besides, if your orchids are blooming, you shouldn't be reading this section! Remember also that while a few paltry blooms on an orchid may be nice, our goal here is to get our orchids to put on a good show, and to make your investment of time and money worthwhile. How do you know if your plants are getting enough light? As a general rule look at the foliage. It should be a light grassy green. Lush dark green foliage is nice to look at, but it means your plants are not getting enough light. Leaves should also be turgid and firm on phals, cattleyas, and dendrobiums. Mottled leaved paphs should show good color contrast on the leaves- see our paph culture page for more details.

If your plants are not getting enough light move them closer to the window. Yes, even a foot can make a huge difference as light falls off very rapidly within increasing distance from a window. During the summer months place plants outdoors in dappled shade if you can. Whenever you move plants into brighter conditions always do so very gradually as you risk burning the leaves. Lastly, remember to only grow plants suited to your conditions to avoid disappointment. I just saw some beautiful vandas in bloom at the grocery store! Vandas are very difficult to grow in the home and sadly most will end up in the trash heap.