If you have just purchased your first orchids and they were not already blooming at purchase time, you might be disappointed if they still haven't bloomed within days (sometimes, months) of your purchase.
This could be because the orchids are not yet fully mature.
Orchid growers commonly offer orchids in four sizes: Seedling - Seedlings are the earliest stage of orchid development.
These are typically inexpensive and small in size.
If you are looking for a quick display of color for your home, hold off on buying seedlings as they may take several years before blooming.
NFS - Orchids that are labeled as NFS (near flowering size) are expected to bloom within 1 to 2 years.
These plants should be much larger than seedlings and already have a robust root system.
FS - Flowering size or blooming size (BS) are orchids that have reached maturity, and this is a good size for beginners to buy.
Ideally, they should already be budding or blooming, so you can fully appreciate their appearance and fragrance.
FS labeled orchids are more expensive than the less mature orchids.
In Flower -This is probably the best form for beginners to buy plants and is the most common way they are sold in garden and home centers.
At this stage you get instant satisfaction and see exactly what you are buying.
If you treat the plant right it should bloom for you again within one year.
Selected Orchids and Their Maturity Period The time it takes for an orchid to bloom varies considerably according to its type.
Here are some estimates for orchids purchased as Flowering Size (FS).
Bulbophylum, Epidendrum, Masdevallia and Calanthe are orchids that mature in about four months.
The Cattleya is the among the most popular orchids - it is the flower that was once most often used in corsages and comes in colors like white, lavender, red, yellow, orange and green.
You should begin to see the flowers after 11 months, while the Paphiopedilum (also known as lady slippers) and Cymbidium both take about 10 months.
Oncidiums are another common variety (sometimes called "dancing slippers") that are known for their varied and beautiful hues.
If you purchase these FS, expect blooming to come after 9 months.
Dendrobiums also develop fully in between 9 to 12 months.
The Phalaenopsis or moth orchids are relatively quick to mature at about 6 months.
The popular Vanda can take up to 20 months.
Of course, there are many more types of orchids and their time to maturity is subject to their growing conditions.
Make your selections carefully, provide the proper care, and then step back and enjoy the truly exquisite plant that is the orchid.
This could be because the orchids are not yet fully mature.
Orchid growers commonly offer orchids in four sizes: Seedling - Seedlings are the earliest stage of orchid development.
These are typically inexpensive and small in size.
If you are looking for a quick display of color for your home, hold off on buying seedlings as they may take several years before blooming.
NFS - Orchids that are labeled as NFS (near flowering size) are expected to bloom within 1 to 2 years.
These plants should be much larger than seedlings and already have a robust root system.
FS - Flowering size or blooming size (BS) are orchids that have reached maturity, and this is a good size for beginners to buy.
Ideally, they should already be budding or blooming, so you can fully appreciate their appearance and fragrance.
FS labeled orchids are more expensive than the less mature orchids.
In Flower -This is probably the best form for beginners to buy plants and is the most common way they are sold in garden and home centers.
At this stage you get instant satisfaction and see exactly what you are buying.
If you treat the plant right it should bloom for you again within one year.
Selected Orchids and Their Maturity Period The time it takes for an orchid to bloom varies considerably according to its type.
Here are some estimates for orchids purchased as Flowering Size (FS).
Bulbophylum, Epidendrum, Masdevallia and Calanthe are orchids that mature in about four months.
The Cattleya is the among the most popular orchids - it is the flower that was once most often used in corsages and comes in colors like white, lavender, red, yellow, orange and green.
You should begin to see the flowers after 11 months, while the Paphiopedilum (also known as lady slippers) and Cymbidium both take about 10 months.
Oncidiums are another common variety (sometimes called "dancing slippers") that are known for their varied and beautiful hues.
If you purchase these FS, expect blooming to come after 9 months.
Dendrobiums also develop fully in between 9 to 12 months.
The Phalaenopsis or moth orchids are relatively quick to mature at about 6 months.
The popular Vanda can take up to 20 months.
Of course, there are many more types of orchids and their time to maturity is subject to their growing conditions.
Make your selections carefully, provide the proper care, and then step back and enjoy the truly exquisite plant that is the orchid.