Tips For How To Make An Orchid Bloom

If you are trying to make an orchid rebloom, the first thing to try is moving the plant to a brighter location. The best place to put an orchid is in a south- or east-facing window. Also, make sure that the leaves are free of dust and dirt. Even a thin layer of dust can block the light.

How do you get an orchid to bloom again?

Move your orchid to a cooler area where the temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your orchid in indirect sunlight at all times. Do this until a new flower spike emerges. Once a flower spike has emerged, give it a couple months for the plant to reach about 5''.

Why is my orchid plant not flowering?

Like all plants, orchids require sufficient light in order to produce flowers. Insufficient light is the most common cause of failure to re-bloom your orchid. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. The lush, rich, dark green of most houseplants is not desirable in orchid leaves.

How long does it take to get an orchid to rebloom?

Phalaenopsis are among the few orchids that will rebloom in home conditions. The spike should be cut between the scar that's left by the first flower and the last node (that little lump) on the stem. One of the lower nodes will then initiate and produce flowers within eight to 12 weeks.

Will an orchid grow a new stem?

However, of all the orchid species only Phalaenopsis will grow shoots off the same stem when the stem is cut above a nod or eye. ... This does happen, but after you cut the stem all the way back the plant should produce another shoot from its base. Be patient, as it can take several months to see this new growth.

What does a new orchid spike look like?

Quite often, Phalaenopsis orchids will send up new leaves and new roots shortly before producing a new flower stalk. ... Flower spikes are usually greener than roots and have a flatter, mitten-shaped tip. While growing, spikes remain green along their full length.

What is the best fertilizer for orchids?

Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all "necessary trace elements." Regardless of the fertilizer formulation you choose to use, it should contain little or no urea.

How often should orchids be watered?

So how do you water orchids? The easiest way is to soak your orchid in a bowl of water once every week or two --- when the moss dries out. Unlike most houseplants, you don't need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot.

Do you cut off dead orchid stems?

Dead orchid stems are unhealthy for your plants. They should be cut off so that you can encourage new growth and trigger reblooming. If you cut off the orchid's stems and they grow right back, they may produce beautiful flowers. Also, your plant will look healthy and vibrant and not pale and sick.

Do orchids need sunlight?

Without adequate light, expect lush growth but no flowers. Insufficient light is the most common reason for failure to bloom. These plants thrive in strong light, but direct sunlight can burn orchids. Bright, indirect light from an eastern or southern window is ideal.

How long do orchids live for?

With good care and regular maintenance, an orchid plant may live for a lifetime — 100 years, or more.

How do you get an orchid to rebloom inside?

Follow these simple steps to help reblooming begin.

Continue to water your orchid with 3 ice cubes once a week. ...
Fertilize your orchid once or twice a month using a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength. ...
Help your orchids grow by providing plenty of indirect sunlight.
Put your orchid in a cooler spot at night.

How do I get my phalaenopsis orchid to bloom again?

Phalaenopsis orchids are triggered to bloom by temperature. A few cold nights are necessary to stimulate a flower spike. For many people, this means the plants will bloom in the fall when household temperatures can drop as much as 10 degrees overnight.

What to do with orchids when they stop flowering?

After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant.

Do orchids like bathrooms?

Because orchids are native to tropical climates, they love humidity and will thrive in the steamy confines of a bathroom. Just be sure that they have minimal sunlight (a skylight or small bathroom window should be enough to keep them happy).

Should orchid roots be showing?

If your orchid air roots are firm and white, they are healthy. ... When Phalaenopsis orchid roots are healthy, velamen is silvery-white, round and plump. You should definitely not remove healthy air roots. There's a good chance you can harm your plant.

Can I use regular Miracle Grow on orchids?

The answer is yes. Miracle-Gro fertilizer contains the major nutrient requirements for orchids. There is also specific Miracle-Gro fertilizer explicitly made for orchids. The attractive features of Miracle-Gro are numerous, and it has since become popular in the market.

Are coffee grounds good for orchids?

Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, especially for orchids and African violets.

How do you fertilize orchids with coffee grounds?

You can also make coffee ground tea which is an excellent additive to make orchid fertilizer. Add one part ground coffee juice to three parts soft water, use it once a month during the growing phase. Keep in the fridge in a closed jar or bottle.

Should orchids be watered from the top or bottom?

To master watering orchids, it is essential to water from above with fresh, pure water. For orchids with water storage, pseudobulbs, water when the potting mix is approaching dry. Otherwise, for orchids without water storage, without pseudobulbs, keep the potting mix barely damp.

Should you mist orchids?

Misting gives the orchid more humidity but does not create a soggy root environment. It is best to put your orchid where it will receive medium indirect sunlight. ... To ensure bright blooms and a healthy plant, use a potting mixture and a fertilizer that is specifically designed for orchids.

How much sunlight does an orchid need?

Generally speaking, orchids are light-hungry plants and should get 12 to 14 hours of light everyday throughout the year.