Boy, trying to upload photos, with chrome, is not an easy process.

Thank you, Lillian! Now I am looking around for information to make sure that care for orchids does not change with a flower spike growing.

Nope, it doesn't.... I feed my orchids in the summer, and don't in the winter. But it seems they don't really care when they flower... I get flowers coming up all times of the year! By "rights", they really shouldn't be thriving - they're on a window-ledge that gets full sun from around 10.00am onwards, until about 4pm....! I also water them by filling up their pots with rainwater one day, and emptying them the next...But the leaves are healthy, I have loads of roots on all plants and new flower-spikes on two of them...Well done with yours - it will be lovely to see it bloom... Can you remember what colour the flowers will be? :o)

Yes, it is a kind of a majenta. It was a gift from a dear friend. A miniature?? It is not anymore, It loved being repotted, and grew like crazy. I would sure love to see your orchids, they sound amazing. I am by no means in anyones league around here , and really appreciate the education this nice forum gives,

Laurie, the term miniature in the orchid world refers to the flower size not the plant size.

At the local orchid society there are three places to put your Phalaenopsis at the monthly meeting.

Species Phalaenopsis

Hybrid Phalaenopsis Blooms less than 75mm across the widest point

Hybrid Phalaenopsis Blooms 75 mm and over across the widest point.

Do not get orchid mania, it will take over your life.

Sorry about the metric. I do not think in inches anymore.

Dear Laurie,

I'm not an expert but hopefully have picked up a thing or two by now. Some people stop using fertiliser once they have a spike and others continue using a weak fertiliser. I haven't been able to actually figure out which method is better myself. Avoid temps that are too cool as that can cause budblast (where the buds shrivel, turn yellow and papery looking and drop off) I've been told to avoid drafts but that hasn't been too much of a problem for me. Don't change orientation of the plant to avoid a twisted flower spike. After spike is fully grown you can put it where you want for display purposes as then the spike shape won't be affected.

Is that helpful or what you had in mind? Generally other requirements are pretty much the same. Water when the media is approaching dryness.

Lillian

Laurie, Here are my orchids. I'm sure in comparison to the collections of others, they are nothing to write home about; they're no better, I am sure, than any other eager and enthusiastic amateur might have. But I love them, and you said you'd like to see photos, so here they are:

The four phalaenopses of the enthusiast:

Individually, L to R - Number 1: Just coming to the end of its inflorescence; good root production.

Number 2: (bit blurred, sorry. I think I'm a better orchid keeper than photographer!) Double inflorescence just finished. Cut down spikes, now appreciating good aerial root production.

Number 3: New flower spike pushing. I was worried about this one, but I think the others encouraged it - ! :D (The flower will be white and maroon (miniature blooms).

Number 4(a) This is the 'Daddy' of them all - my big boy. The first orchid had, of the 4. It has already bloomed once, after the original bloom (when bought) ended; so this is the 2nd/3rd lot of blooms.

Finally, this is where they all usually live. The window faces South. The proximity of buildings is irrelevant; they give no shade.

Hey all Thanks for your tips. Arthurm2015, I have noticed that minis are sort of a marketing mirage, and I for one am a sucker for minis of all kinds. Thank you for that info. I really do not want to go too crazy with a huge orchid collection, but you are so right, I am wanting everyone I see.

Lillian, the tip about orientation changes causing the flower stalk to twist, I never would have figured out until twisted one up, so thank you for that. The fertilizer tip was great, I will keep the plant in same spot until flowers bud.

Wow, Taramaiden, your leaves are so large, every thing looks so healthy, Nice. Looks like you learn quick. I would love to see their flowers.

Thanks all, It is so fun to watch and learn from you guys, and really cathartic for me to embrace my love of plants after so many years of not having any.

Hope to have pics as impressive as you all do someday.

Hi, Laurie, Well, finally I have some blooms to show you. "Big Daddy" has bloomed!

I just love the colouration! (piebald!)

Congratulations!!! I clicked on both pics and saw a much bigger view. (newbie) You have three spikes of huge buds, and those leaves. WOW. The flower color is just beautiful. My lil skinny spike is about 7 inches high now, with three little tiny flower buds. I will post a pic when it blooms, if you promise not to laugh. It will not compare to your success at all. You done good, Tara.

Nobody will laugh at you, ever. It takes time and a love of the hobby. You obviously have both, so we are just looking forward to your success. Everyone is different, so don't compare your efforts to mine or anyone else's. You are your own champ, and it's great to know things are moving on well. Can't wait to see your blooms!

I am enjoying just watching the buds slowly, (very slowly) :) form on the little spike. I was happy with three buds coming. Now I see I counted too soon and it has put on two more. I have grown many houseplants in my life, but few were as rewarding as Orchids. So grateful for this forum, and all the advice. Thanks to all.