How to Rebloom Orchids: A StepbyStep Guide

How to Rebloom Orchids?

To rebloom orchids, you need to provide proper care during their dormancy period.

This includes fertilizing every other week with a balanced or orchid-specific fertilizer, diluting it to half strength.

Increase light levels by moving the orchid away from the window and into a spot with an East or West exposure.

During dormancy, keep the orchid in a cooler place with temperatures between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove wilting blooms to preserve the life of remaining blooms.

If the spike is green, cut it off 1 inch above the first node below the lowest flower bloom.

If the spike is turning brown, trim it off at the base of the plant.

Water once a week with ice cubes and fertilize once or twice a month.

Provide indirect sunlight and cool nights to promote new flower spikes.

Key Points:

  • Proper care during orchid dormancy period is essential for reblooming orchids.
  • Fertilize every other week with a balanced or orchid-specific fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
  • Increase light levels by moving the orchid to a spot with East or West exposure.
  • Keep the orchid in a cooler place with temperatures between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy.
  • Remove wilting blooms to preserve the life of remaining blooms.
  • If the spike is green, cut it off 1 inch above the first node below the lowest flower bloom. If the spike is turning browning, trim it off at the base of the plant.


Did You Know?

1. Orchids are one of the oldest flowering plants on Earth, with fossil records showing that they have been around for over 80 million years.
2. The word “orchid” is derived from the Greek word “orkhis,” meaning “testicle.” This is because the shape of the bulbous roots of some orchid species resembles testicles.
3. Vanilla, a popular flavor, comes from the pod of an orchid species called Vanilla planifolia. It is one of the few edible orchids in the world.
4. Some orchids have unique pollination strategies. For example, the bucket orchid (Coryanthes spp.) attracts male orchid bees by producing a scent that resembles a female bee pheromone. The male bees are then tricked into falling into the bucket-shaped flower, where they become temporarily trapped and come into contact with the flower’s pollen.
5. The largest orchid in the world is the Grammatophyllum speciosum, also known as the tiger orchid. It can grow up to 9 feet (2.75 meters) tall and produce clusters of up to 80 blooms at once. These massive orchids are native to Southeast Asia.

Orchids’ Dormancy During Fall and Winter

Orchids are fascinating and delicate plants that require specific care and attention to bloom successfully. Understanding their natural growth cycles is key to promoting reblooming.

During the fall and winter months, orchids enter a period of dormancy. This is a crucial time for the plant as it allows them to rest and replenish nutrients for future growth. Orchids store nutrients and water in their leaves as they prepare for this dormant phase, which typically lasts between 6 to 9 months.

Fertilizing Orchids for Blooming

To encourage blooming in orchids, fertilizing is a recommended technique. It is crucial to use the right type of fertilizer and dilute it to half strength before applying it to the soil or using foliar fertilizers. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • Fertilize every other week with a balanced, bloom booster, or orchid-specific fertilizer.
  • Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to ensure optimal blooming.
  • Fertilization provides essential nutrients for healthy growth and increased chances of reblooming.
  • Avoid watering with ice on the weeks when fertilizing is carried out to prevent dilution and wastage of nutrients.

“Fertilizing your orchids is crucial for healthy growth and blooming.”

Increasing Light Levels for Blooming Orchids

Light is essential for orchid reblooming. If your orchid does not receive enough light, it may have difficulty blooming. To encourage blooming, increase the light levels by moving the orchid further away from the window. An East or West exposure is ideal as it provides indirect sunlight for the orchid.

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By giving your orchid more light, you are creating a suitable environment for floral development. This change can greatly improve the chances of successful reblooming for your orchid.

Orchid Care During Dormancy

During the orchid’s dormancy period, it is essential to provide appropriate care and create the optimal environment for reblooming.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Move the orchid to a cooler spot with temperatures ranging between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This drop in temperature helps stimulate new flower spike emergence during the dormancy phase.
  • Maintaining these cooler temperatures during the dormant period is crucial for triggering reblooming.

It is also important to note that certain orchid species, such as Phalaenopsis orchids, experience a resting phase called dormancy after blooming.

  • This phase typically lasts for six to nine months before the plant begins to show signs of new growth and potential reblooming.

Removing Wilting Blooms to Preserve Others

To ensure the longevity and vitality of your orchid’s blooms, it is essential to promptly remove wilting flowers. Wilting blooms produce a hormone called ethylene, which can cause surrounding blooms to wilt faster. By removing these wilting blooms, you are preventing the spread of ethylene and prolonging the life of the remaining flowers.

Here are some steps to follow:

  • Regularly inspect your orchid for any wilting blooms
  • Gently remove them by cutting the stem

This simple practice can have a significant impact on the overall health and appearance of your orchid.

Orchid Reblooming Process

To initiate the reblooming process of Phalaenopsis orchids, follow these specific steps:

  • Start by removing any clips and stakes attached to the spike.
  • If the spike is still green, cut it off 1 inch above the first node below the lowest flower bloom.
  • If the spike has started to turn brown, it is best to trim it off entirely at the base of the plant. Phalaenopsis orchids do not typically flower on brown spikes.
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For orchids with double spikes, use the following method:

  • Cut off one spike 1 inch above the first node below the lowest flower bloom.
  • Remove the second spike at the base of the plant.
  • This process encourages the orchid to focus its energy on a single spike instead of dividing its resources between two.

Watering and fertilizing also play crucial roles in the reblooming process:

  • Water your orchid once a week using 3 ice cubes (2 cubes for petite orchids and 1 cube for mini orchids).
  • Fertilize the orchid once or twice a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength.
  • Avoid watering with ice during the weeks when fertilization is carried out.

To support new flower spike emergence, consider the following tips:

  • Provide indirect sunlight for the orchid.
  • Place the orchid in a cooler spot at night, maintaining temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • This helps create an optimal environment for the orchid’s reblooming process.

Remember, reblooming orchids require patience and proper care. By understanding their natural growth cycles and providing appropriate care during dormancy, along with fertilizing, increasing light levels, and removing wilting blooms, you can maximize the chances of your orchid reblooming successfully. For more detailed insights and guidance on orchid reblooming, feel free to visit our website and download our comprehensive guide on “How to Trigger Reblooming.”

Now, let’s summarize the key steps and tips with

  • Remove clips and stakes attached to the spike.
  • Cut off the green spike 1 inch above the first node below the lowest flower bloom.
  • Trim off the brown spike entirely at the base of the plant.
  • For double spikes, cut off one spike 1 inch above the first node below the lowest flower bloom and remove the second spike.
  • Water once a week using ice cubes (3 cubes for regular orchids, 2 cubes for petite orchids, and 1 cube for mini orchids).
  • Fertilize once or twice a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength (avoid watering with ice during fertilization weeks).
  • Provide indirect sunlight and cooler temperatures (55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) at night for optimal reblooming conditions.

Reblooming orchids can be a rewarding and exciting experience. Patience and proper care will eventually lead to the vibrant and beautiful blooms you desire.

For more detailed insights and guidance on orchid reblooming, feel free to visit our website and download our comprehensive guide on “How to Trigger Reblooming.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get an orchid to bloom again?

To encourage your orchid to bloom again, give it ample indirect sunlight to fuel its growth. Additionally, ensure that you place the orchid in a cooler location at night, with temperatures ranging between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This slight drop in temperature during nighttime prompts the emergence of new flower spikes. Once a new spike appears, you can move your orchid back to its usual setting, creating an optimal environment for future blooming.

Do orchids rebloom on old stems?

While leaving the stem intact might allow for continued flowering of the orchid, it often leads to a less visually appealing outcome, with smaller, less vibrant flowers. Alternatively, removing the stem entirely at its base is believed by some to stimulate reblooming in a few months. This method provides an opportunity for the orchid to produce a fresh stem that can yield more robust and beautiful flowers.

What brings an orchid back to life?

The key to bringing an orchid back to life lies in providing the perfect conditions for reblooming. Phalaenopsis orchids, known for their vibrant and long-lasting blooms, go through a dormant phase of about nine months after blooming for up to three months. To encourage the orchid to bloom again, it requires a combination of factors. Proper fertilization and relocation to a cooler environment with temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit can serve as triggers for the orchid to regrow its beautiful blooms. By creating the right environment and nourishing the orchid, it can be revived and brought back to life for another enchanting bloom cycle.

Why is my orchid growing but not blooming?

One possible reason for your orchid growing but not blooming may be insufficient light. Orchids, like all plants, need an adequate amount of light to produce flowers. If the light levels are too low, it can hinder the blooming process. You can check the leaf color of your orchid as an indicator of whether the light is sufficient. Unlike most houseplants, orchid leaves should not be lush, rich, and dark green as it may suggest that they are not receiving enough light. Adjusting the light conditions and providing your orchid with the right amount of light may encourage blooming.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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