Orchid Leaf Issues and Non-Blooming: Light Deficiency and Mix Problems

Evelyn's orchids: one with brown leaf edges, one with split leaves. North window 1 hour light. Fertilizer 30-10-10 monthly/biweekly. Expert: principal issue = insufficient light for flowering. East window best. Dark green leaves = too little light. North light decreases as sun shifts south. Winter windowsill temps <55°F. Supplemental light if no east window. Keep 60–80°F.

If growing in pure fir bark: switch to commercial mix with perlite/charcoal. Bark alone repels water when dry; decays, restricts air. Repot annually after bloom in soaked mix, screen fines. Check roots—remove mushy. Plastic pots, drainage, no standing water.