Is there any hope for my orchid?

A friend bought me an orchid almost 2 years ago.it was flowering when i got it,and hasnt flowered since.i thought it was dying,watered it a little and the leaves came back.It seemed to grow too big for the pot with what appeared to be roots overhanging the top of the pot,so my hubby replanted it into a larger pot, with ordinary compost.It has now grown more 'roots' which are again growing above the leaves,and also 3 new leaves,but no sign of any flowers.I water it about once every couple of weeks.its on the living room windowsill above the radiator and not in direct sunlight.Am i doing this all wrong?? Can someone please advise?

Is there any hope for my orchid?
You need to make sure you do not over water this plant!!!! The roots spilling out of the container is normal, it is mostly a air plant meaning that it thrives off of humid air. Also make sure that when there are no blooms you fertilize it. There is hope for your orchid, it is very hard to take care of them. Good luck.
Reply:I found these pots called 'crack pots'. They have holes in the sides to let the roots breathe. When I replant my orchids I use something called orchid bark. I'm not sure what kind it is but it is just small (less than 1cm) pieces of bark. Also use a fertilizer twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter.
Reply:You would do better putting the orchid in the bathroom,they like humid air,i only water mine once a week with rain water.
Reply:Hi Belle I am assuming it is a Moth Orchid you have as they are the most common. Orchids like to be pot bound and planted in special orchid compost (very open texture). They will hang their roots over the sides of the pot, dont worry this is normal. Sometimes one or two shrivel up - this is normal too. Remember orchids grow on trees in Rainforests up in the trees and like humidity. When you water fill a bowl and dunk the whole pot leave for around half an hour and lift out and let it drain. Do this about once every two weeks and occasionally mist with a spray of water. Feed every so ofter with orchid fertilizer. As for flowering. After the first spike has died remove it , or cut it back to about three nodes from bottom of stem. It will either sprout from there or throw out a new flowering stalk. It could take between 6 - 9 months. Keep it away from radiator and out of direct sunlight but give plenty of light. I have six orchids and always one in flower. Hope this helps. Cheers Pendelli
Reply:Hi, there are tons of differing orchids out there - from hardy ones in flower in my garden now (Bletilla), to tropical rain forest types that live in bark on tree trunks. Most of the pot plants are more of the latter and don't need tons of 'ordinary' compost in a pot. Usually bark chips or composted bark is used, can be bought from garden centres, alongside orchid fertiliser).





It's also quite normal for 'adventitious' roots to grow outside of the pots, and is nothing to worry about. Avoid drafts as much as possible too.





My guess is that you'll have one of the following-


Phalaenopsis - thick fleshy leaves-the 'moth' orchid mentioned


Cymbidium - thinner, strap-like upright leaves


Oncidium - makes little bulb-like growths at the leaf bases


Dendrobium - a variable group, with wet/dry season in its homeland.





So what to do next? I'd aim to identify which orchid you have and then treat it according to its needs. Someone pasted a link earlier in the answers. Otherwise, search on the above 4 names and see if you get a match from photo's etc.





I'd probably buy some orchid potting material - often just big bark lumps - and repot it - without adding any extra pot size.





You're right not to keep them in direct sun, though most of them, including Phalaenopsis, need good light in order to reflower. As summer's now here, this is a good time for it to start to get the sun's energy that it needs.





Watering / Feeding - whilst most orchids need a humid air around them, they don't typically need tons of water. For most of them, plunging its pot into some rain water, for a few minutes every couple of weeks, is enough.





I feed about every 3 weeks or so, with an special Orchid fertiliser. Overfeeding/over-potting can result in tons of leafy growth and minimal flowers.





You position above the radiator might cause the air around it to be too dry, so you might be better finding a warm location, that you can keep humid - add a dish with water and pebbles nearby- increases the overall humidity.





I put some of my orchids -Cymbidium %26amp; Oncidium - outside into my garden during summer time and the cooler weather helps them to flower better. This wouldn't help many of the other types, as they need warmer temperatures.





So, start looking to identify which type of orchid that you have and then treat them according to their more sepcific needs. You've obviously both got good caring hands, you and hubby, so you'll do really well.





Good luck! Rob
Reply:Your orchid may need it's roots to be constricted, that is, it needs it to be cramped in the pot before it will flower. The best thing to do right now would be to keep letting it grow bigger. If the compost you are using is bark, i wouldn't change it until it starts to rot. It seems that you are taking care of your orchid, if it's lasted two years and has grown more leaves. I wouldn't try and hurry it though, the orchid will flower on its own time. If you happen to rush it, it may flower in an attempt to reproduce before it dies, but what it seems that you have been doing is fine. Oh, and your orchid may be a phalaenopsis, i would need to see it to be sure, but here is an excellent site with culture sheets and identifying pictures.
Reply:Your orchid has lasted a long long time, so that means that you and hubby are doing an excellent job.





Now keep in mind that the majority of orchids grow on the trunks and branches of trees, This means that they are "parasite plants". In order for them to survive, they grow long roots that stick to the trunks. This enables them to stay well fed. But, this, too, is the reason why roots keep up showing on your orchid.





I suggest to, plant your orchid on a piece of trunk (no matter if dead - better if alive); keep slightly moister, and in in direct sunlight.





The majority of orchids grow on tropical highly humid environments.
Reply:Orchids need indirect or filtered light. They also like to eat. Feed your orchid with orchid food and water it every 2 weeks or so. Leave those roots like they are! Orchids grow in the wild on trees and the roots kind of just splay out.


My orchids only flower once a year, so just be patient and set a good routine with watering and light and food. It sounds healthy, growing all those leaves. Good luck!!
Reply:There are many orchids out there and most like different conditions. The link should help you. Good luck.