How do I get my indoor orchid to bloom?

Question

I have an orchid plant that has not bloomed in 3 years... it just has 2 large leaves and is now growing a 3rd.

Connie · Answer

I know this will sound crazy, but it has worked. Try giving it 1/4 cup of maple syrup diluted with a cup of water. Do this slowly from the bottom up.

Lisaee · Answer

OK, it does sound crazy but I will try it. thx

MillyMolly · Answer

Mine sprung to life after I saw on here that someone put two ice cubes on the base every couple of weeks. It has bloomed beautifully two years in a row now. I think the ice melts slowly and gives just the right amount of watering. Also I fertilize mine with MiracleGro fertilizer for orchids.

Barb Hynes · Answer

I have very good luck with orchids. They are continually in bloom. I have repotted them and they seem to bloom even more. I have them in a southern exposure window. I give them water about every 2 weeks and have never used the ice cube routine. good luck and don't give up the blooms are well worth the wait!

Pat415274 · Answer

There are commercial fertilisers especially formulated for orchids to stimulate and prolong flowering. Ask at your local garden centre.

Nona · Answer

best advice I have gotten is to treat them to a summer outdoors in a very shaded location and then bring in to a 'cold' as in 55 degree room or green house for the winter.  I've never had an orchid rebloom until I did this.  Mine now sports two large flower stalks.  I agree that after a second bloom the plant should be repotted with fresh soil but I never used any orchid fertilizer.

Jennie Herrick · Answer

Being diabetic I drink unsweetened ice tea. If there is a time when I get up and I didn't finish my tea the night before, I give the leftovers to the orchids. I've even given them leftover black coffee. What they seem to like most is when I cut up a banana peel and scatter it around the base of the plant. Don't forget plain ole water though or they will get too many nutrients and the roots will burn. I've always been told that they like Eastern light so I've always kept mine near eastern (but not in) side windows or planted on the eastern side of my house (I live in Florida). Good Luck!

Gary Stenzel · Answer

I only buy small orchids because I always take them out of their pot and make them grow as nature intended. Yup, I attach them to trees, branches, or sometimes an old piece of driftwood. In a colder climate you could mount a branch on a base, attach your orchid, and then just water it every two weeks in the shower. 
 All you need to do is 'free up' the roots and wrap them around whatever you want to mount it to. Use a bit of 'long cut' sphagnum and some natural twine. I just staple the twine over the roots and sphagnum. Only use just a few staples, the twine and staples both will disintegrate in about a year, but by then your orchid will be holding on all by itself. 
 I fertilize occasionally with half-strength orchid fertilizer. 
 My orchids seem to always be in bloom.
Make sure you mount them where they get mostly constant shade. Give them a spray now and then if it hasn't rained in a while.