How to Care Orchid After Flowering?

Orchids are a captivating addition to any home or garden, known for their exotic, long-lasting blooms and minimal care requirements. But what happens after those dazzling flowers fade?

Many people are left wondering how to care for their orchids once they’ve stopped blooming. Proper post-bloom care is essential for encouraging a healthy, vibrant orchid that will flower again in the future.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of orchid care after flowering, so you can enjoy your beautiful plant for years to come.

How Often Do Orchids Bloom in a Year?

The blooming cycle of orchids varies depending on the species. However, most orchids bloom once or twice a year, with each bloom lasting several weeks to even a few months.

The Phalaenopsis orchid, one of the most popular species for home gardeners, typically blooms once a year. Its flowers can last for up to three months.

Some species, like the Cattleya or Dendrobium orchids, may bloom more frequently, even two to three times a year under ideal conditions.

Once an orchid completes its bloom, it enters a resting phase, sometimes referred to as the “dormant” phase.

During this period, the plant conserves energy to prepare for its next flowering cycle. This rest phase can last several months, during which proper care becomes crucial for ensuring the plant blooms again.

What to Do with Orchids After They Bloom?

Once your orchid has finished blooming, it’s tempting to think the show is over. However, with the right steps, you can set your orchid up for another spectacular flowering. Here’s what you should do:

1. Trim the Flower Spike (or Not)

For Phalaenopsis orchids, many gardeners recommend trimming the flower spike after blooming. There are two methods for this:

• Cut Back Entirely: You can cut the spike all the way down to the base. This helps the orchid conserve energy and encourages stronger blooms in the next cycle.
• Partial Cut: Some prefer to cut just above a node (the bump on the spike) on the stem. This may prompt the orchid to produce new flowers from that node, called a “keiki” or baby orchid. However, partial cuts can sometimes result in smaller or weaker blooms.

For other orchids, like Cattleya, the spike should be removed entirely as they only bloom from new growth.

2. Provide a Resting Period

After the blooms fade, give your orchid time to rest. This phase is crucial for the plant to rebuild its energy.

During this time, reduce the frequency of watering and avoid fertilizing. Keeping the orchid in a slightly cooler environment can also help simulate natural growing conditions.

How to Keep Phalaenopsis Orchids Blooming?

Phalaenopsis orchids are prized for their long-lasting flowers, but getting them to rebloom can be tricky. Here are a few tips to keep those blooms coming:

1. Temperature Drop

One of the most effective ways to encourage reblooming is by mimicking the natural temperature drop that orchids experience in the wild.

Lowering the temperature by about 10°F at night for a couple of weeks can trigger a new spike. Ideally, keep the daytime temperature around 75-85°F and nighttime between 60-65°F.

2. Adequate Lighting

Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can prevent blooming.

Aim to place your orchid near an east or south-facing window where it can enjoy a few hours of gentle morning light.

3. Feeding and Watering

Once the orchid enters its active growth phase (after the resting period), resume regular watering and fertilization.

Use a balanced orchid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to encourage growth. Be sure to water the orchid thoroughly, but let the potting medium dry out slightly between waterings.

How to Care for Orchids After Flowering?

Orchid care after flowering revolves around creating an ideal environment that mimics the plant’s natural habitat.

Let’s explore the key factors for maintaining a healthy orchid during its dormant and growing phases.

Soil

Orchids require a special growing medium that promotes good airflow around their roots. Typical garden soil won’t work for orchids because it retains too much moisture and lacks aeration.

Instead, use a well-draining orchid mix made from bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, or coconut husk. The choice of medium depends on the orchid variety, but most orchids prefer bark-based mixes that allow water to flow through quickly.

Repot your orchid every one to two years, particularly after blooming. Over time, the potting medium breaks down and can suffocate the roots, leading to rot.

Repotting after the flowering cycle ensures that your plant has fresh, well-draining soil to support new growth.

Water

After flowering, your orchid enters a resting phase, so its water needs will change. During this period, water less frequently but ensure that the plant doesn’t completely dry out.

Watering once every 10-14 days is typically sufficient. When watering, drench the roots thoroughly, allowing water to run out through the drainage holes.

Ensure the roots have a chance to dry out between waterings. Orchids are sensitive to root rot, which is caused by prolonged exposure to excess moisture. If you’re unsure when to water, it’s better to underwater slightly than overwater.

Light

Proper lighting is essential for orchid care, especially after flowering. Most orchids thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.

Place your plant in a location where it will receive plenty of natural light without being exposed to harsh, direct sun. A north or east-facing window works well for most orchids.

For orchids that require more light, such as Cattleyas or Dendrobiums, a south-facing window may be preferable.

If natural light is insufficient, especially during the winter months, you can supplement with artificial grow lights.

Temperature

Orchids prefer moderate temperatures similar to their tropical native environments. Keep daytime temperatures between 70-85°F and nighttime temperatures around 60-65°F.

After flowering, it’s helpful to simulate a slight temperature drop at night to mimic natural conditions. This cooling period encourages orchids to enter their dormancy phase, preparing them for future blooms.

Avoid placing orchids near drafts, heaters, or air conditioning vents, as these can create temperature fluctuations that stress the plant.

Humidity

Orchids flourish in humid conditions. Maintaining humidity levels between 50-70% is ideal for most species.

If you live in a dry climate or have heating systems that reduce indoor humidity, consider using a humidity tray or a room humidifier.

Simply placing the orchid on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help boost the surrounding humidity.

Regular misting is another way to increase humidity, but be careful not to over-mist, as excess moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues.

Fertilization

Orchids are light feeders, so they don’t require heavy fertilization. After flowering, reduce feeding to allow the plant to rest.

Once new growth begins, typically a few weeks or months after flowering, resume fertilizing with a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Feed your orchid once a month during the growing season, tapering off during the dormant period.

Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and leaves, so it’s essential to stick to a light feeding schedule.

Pruning and Maintenance

Besides cutting back the flower spike, regular maintenance is crucial for orchid health. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent rot and pests.

Inspect your plant regularly for signs of disease or pests like scale, aphids, or spider mites. Early detection and treatment will help prevent larger infestations that could harm your plant.

Conclusion

Orchid care after flowering is all about patience and creating the right environment for your plant to thrive.

By trimming spent blooms, adjusting watering and lighting, and maintaining ideal growing conditions, you can ensure your orchid remains healthy and ready for its next bloom cycle. With these tips, your orchid will reward you with stunning flowers for years to come.