However, one can walk into our greenhouses any day of the year and see something in bloom.  The spring and summer months are when the orchids do most of their growing, putting out their new root and plant growth.  However, even during those hot days of summer there are a few little species somewhere in our greenhouses in bloom.

 

When we list our orchids for sale in our catalog and on our website, we include the blooming season as part of the information on each plant.  It is also something we include on each plant label.  This season (or seasons) is a general guide as to when this particular species typically sends out its flowers.  Spring bloomers, for instance, usually bloom mid-March to mid-June.  However, they may bloom as early as February or as late as July.  Much depends on the weather before and during that period.  Normally, the longer day length, warmer temperatures, and stronger sunlight that come with spring promote flowers on "spring bloomers."  Similarly, the shorter days, cooler temperatures, and lower light is what initiates the spikes on the "winter blooming" orchids.

 

Many times our seasons don't exhibit the weather that they are supposed to.  Last year, for instance, we did not have a very nice spring season.  The days were dark and cloudy and the temps remained cold well into June.  Because of this, many of our spring bloomers flowered late - and some, not at all.  When this happens, the plants will sometime bloom out of season, or sometimes skip their flowering for that year.

 

We can help nature along a bit by providing supplemental grow lights during dark, cloudy spring days, or turning our thermostats down in fall and winter to provide the natural cooling effects of nature.  However, not all orchids can be tricked that easily.  

 

Orchids are living plants that are greatly influenced by their surroundings.  Natural changes in seasons, individual growing areas, climates, and potting materials all contribute to the happiness and vigor of orchid growth.  The stronger and happier our orchids are, the better blooms we will see.

 

Happy Growing,

Liese