Orchids are truly one of the most beautiful and elegant flowers you can have in your home. Their vibrant colours and intricate designs bring a touch of luxury to any space. However, after the flowers fall, many orchid owners are left wondering, "How can I get my orchid to rebloom?"
At Orchids.ie, we understand how rewarding it is to see your orchid return to its full beauty, and with a little care and patience, it's definitely possible. Here’s our expert guide to help you encourage your orchid to bloom again.
1. Know Your Orchid Type
Different types of orchids have different blooming cycles. The most common variety that many people have at home is the Phalaenopsis orchid (also known as the "moth orchid"). However, other types such as Cattleya, Oncidium, and Dendrobium may require slightly different care.
Before you start the reblooming process, make sure you know the variety of orchid you have, as this will influence its specific care needs. Phalaenopsis orchids, for example, may bloom once or twice a year, while some types like Cattleya bloom only once a year.
2. Give Your Orchid a Rest Period
After your orchid has finished blooming, it’s important to give it a period of rest. This doesn’t mean neglecting it, but rather allowing it to recover. For Phalaenopsis orchids, a rest period of about 6 to 8 weeks without any new blooms is common. During this time:
Reduce watering: Let the orchid dry out a bit more between waterings.
Maintain a stable temperature: Orchids need a temperature drop to signal the reblooming process, so keep it around 18°C (65°F) at night and a bit warmer during the day.
3. Cut Back the Flower Spike
Once your orchid flowers have fallen off, you may notice a long flower spike (the stem that held the blooms). Many orchid owners are unsure of what to do next. You have two main options:
Cut the spike above the second node (the little bumps or nubs you see along the spike). This can sometimes trigger a new flower spike to grow.
Cut the spike right down to the base if it’s completely finished. Orchids can produce new flower spikes from the base, but this will take a bit longer.
It’s essential to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent any risk of infection.
4. Provide Proper Lighting
Light is one of the most important factors in getting your orchid to bloom again. Orchids love bright, indirect light. Place your orchid near a window with filtered sunlight, but be mindful of direct sun, as it can scorch the leaves.
Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. If your orchid isn’t getting enough light, it may not rebloom.
If you don’t have a suitable spot, consider using grow lights specifically designed for orchids.
5. Adjust Watering Routine
Orchids are delicate when it comes to watering, and overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can cause the orchid to dry out.
Water your orchid once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. The best method is to water thoroughly, allowing the water to run through the drainage holes of the pot.
In the winter months, you may find that your orchid needs less water, as they grow more slowly in cooler conditions.
Tip: Using room temperature water is best for orchids, as cold water can shock the roots.
6. Feed Your Orchid Regularly
A healthy orchid is more likely to rebloom. Provide your orchid with the right nutrients by using a balanced orchid fertilizer (preferably one with a higher amount of phosphorus, which encourages blooming). You can apply the fertilizer once a month, diluting it to about a quarter of the recommended strength.
In addition to fertilizing, consider repotting your orchid if it has outgrown its current pot. Orchids should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the roots have outgrown their pot. A fresh orchid mix will encourage better growth and future blooms.
7. Temperature Fluctuations Can Help
A small temperature fluctuation can help trigger reblooming. Orchids, especially Phalaenopsis, often need a night time temperature drop to encourage them to start producing a new flower spike.
-
Keep your orchid in an area where the temperature drops by about 5°C (10°F) from day to night. This mimics the orchid’s natural environment, which helps stimulate the blooming cycle.
Tip: Avoid placing your orchid near drafts, radiators, or heaters as this can cause stress to the plant.
8. Be Patient
Perhaps the most important tip of all—be patient. Orchids can take several months to rebloom after their first cycle. Depending on the type, some orchids may take up to six months to produce new flowers. Trust the process, and soon enough, you’ll be rewarded with another stunning display.
Final Thoughts
Encouraging your orchid to rebloom requires a bit of attention to detail, but it’s certainly possible with the right care. By following these tips, you can help your orchid thrive and enjoy its beautiful flowers year after year.
At Orchids.ie, we’re passionate about orchids and want to help you keep yours looking amazing. If you need more advice on orchid care or want to purchase a new orchid, feel free to browse our collection or reach out to our team!
Happy gardening, and may your orchids bloom beautifully!