What’s the Scoop on Orchid Reblooming?
If you’re experiencing bloom loss with your Phalaenopsis orchid don’t panic! There is a good chance that it is going through its normal life cycle. Max & Miles orchid blooms typically last for up to three months. Flowering plants do not flower all the time and go through a rest period or dormancy between bloom cycles. Orchids expend a lot of energy growing and supporting those beautiful blooms and need some time to rest and replace their nutrients. So although you may be sad to see your orchid drop its blooms, do not worry, with proper care your plant will be flowering again! At this point, you may be wondering how to get an orchid to rebloom and we’re here to give you the scoop!
Orchids need their beauty rest! After their first bloom cycle, orchids enter a rest period of around 6-9 months. There are a few things you can do once all of the initial blooms have fallen from your orchid.
Trim Orchid Spikes
Assess your orchid spikes before trimming. Green spikes are healthy and firm to touch while unhealthy spikes appear brown or yellow. Use clean and sterile tools to trim your orchid spikes. For healthy, green spikes, find a node under the lowest flower bloom and trim 1 inch above that node. Nodes are small triangular bumps that are found along orchid spikes. For unhealthy, spikes, cut all the way back to the base of the plant. If you have a double spike orchid, cut one spike at the base of the plant. Cut the other spike 1 inch above the node under the lowest flower bloom.
Fertilize
After you have trimmed your orchid spikes, start fertilizing your plant every other week to help rebuild its nutrient stores for blooming again. Use a balanced 20-20-20 houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not water your orchid on weeks that you fertilize.
Adjust Temperature
After letting your orchid rest for at least six months or so, trigger reblooming by moving your orchid to a cooler area with nighttime temperatures between 55-65F. This cooler temperature triggers the plant to grow a new spike and reproduce with new flowers! Once you see a new spike emerging, move the plant back into its normal location and continue watering with three ice cubes weekly.
Although it is not a quick process, it is so rewarding to see those new blooms emerging on your orchid. So with a little TLC and patience, you can enjoy reblooming your orchid for years to come!