Hi amazindirt, I have been waiting for something special to offer this cactus in trade. I don't know it's name, but I can send pictures. I have had it for many years and it is getting so tall that it is beginning to press aginst the ceiling. One of the arms that is near the ceiling is developing roots and I think it could be removed with a razor blade. It's about a foot and a half tall and about as big around as a banana. I'd be interested in the yellow or white one, I have a few pink ones already. Please LMK if you are interested. At this time of year we would have to watch the weather for a warm streak as I live in WI and I'm worried about it sitting out side a bit after it is delivered. I do only work a few days a week and have had good luck with getting the post man to put my packages in the garage, however.

Your orchid wasn't "dormant", it was resting and should have been growing several new leaves. If it didn't, it is too weak to maintain another good spike. I also think a "shaded" west window is not enough light in winter. I realize the shade is needed in summer, but in winter the sun is too weak to be filtering it. The amount of light is important for blooming. richard's advice for how to handle is good. If you really want to understand your orchid, you should read up on phal culture at the American Orchid Society website where you can download and print culture sheets, or google "phalaenopsis, culture".

Neither plant has a label. I identified them by looking at photos online. Both are the bright pink phalaenopsis. Both had no buds when I got them over a year ago. One I cut down per information I saw online about getting it them to bloom. The other, I did not cut down. The one I didn't cut down is the one that keeps growing and growing and always has new buds. The other one has not bloomed. I've repotted both and changed the orchid bark on the non blooming plant recently. What is interesting to me is that I have read to get it to bloom to place it in a dark cool area. I have also read to place it in a cooler area in bright light. Both plants are in front of a window (kind of cold) and in bright light. Should I try moving it into a dark area for awhile? Interesting how the one that I didn't follow the directions on is the one that is blooming beautifully.

I'd be interested in a trade, if I can come up with something I think you'd be interested in. I have traded for some tea and china rose cuttings but they won't be rooted til Spring. I could get you a list of what I have this evening and email to you, or I do have a succulent that I don't know the name of. Brandon might know as I gave him a start of it at the plant swap. It looks like a pencil cactus, but has more of a weeping habit with thinner stems. If you're interested in either of these I can email a list of the roses or a pic of the plant. Frances