Orchids are popular houseplants prized for their beautiful and exotic blooms. However, once those blooms fade and fall off, it’s natural to wonder what you should do next with the plant. Here are some tips on caring for your orchid after the flowers drop.
Keep Up Regular Care
The end of flowering does not mean the end of caring for your orchid. Continue your regular watering and feeding schedule to support the overall health of the plant. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air in their native tropical habitats. Recreate these conditions at home by:
- Watering 1-2 times per week, making sure water drains fully from the pot to avoid rot.
- Misting leaves to boost humidity.
- Fertilizing weakly weekly while actively growing.
- Providing bright, indirect light.
Proper orchid care will ensure your plant can re-bloom in the future. Never let an orchid fully dry out or sit in soggy mix between waterings.
Trim the Flower Spike
Once all the flowers have dropped from the flower spike, use sterile pruners to trim the spike back. Make your cut above the second or third node from the tip. Nodes are the thickened segments along the spike. This pruning encourages the spike to branch and produce more buds, extending the blooming season. Leave at least 5 nodes on the spike for best reblooming.
When to trim:
- All flowers have fallen off.
- Flower spike has turned yellow or brown.
- Blooms failed to open or were smaller than previous flowering.
How to trim:
- Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
- Cut above a node, angling the blade away from the node.
- Dip cut end in cinnamon to prevent infection.
- Avoid getting water in the hollow spike, as it can rot.
Remove Old Flower Spikes
Trim off the old flower spikes entirely once they have failed to rebloom after pruning. This redirects the plant’s energy into growing strong pseudobulbs and new spikes instead. Snip spent spikes near the base of the plant. Some reasons to remove old spikes include:
- Spike remains dormant with no new buds after 8 weeks.
- New growth emerging from the base.
- Spike is completely shriveled and dry.
Repot Annually
Repotting orchids into fresh growing medium yearly encourages blooms. Orchids thrive in an open, fast-draining mix that mimics their natural habits clinging to trees. Combine:
- Medium fir bark chunks
- Sphagnum moss
- Perlite
- Charcoal
A too-small or dense pot can restrict root growth and flowering. When repotting:
- Trim any dead roots.
- Gently loosen root ball.
- Place in pot only slightly larger than root mass.
- Fill around roots with fresh mix.
Repot in the spring after flowering so the plant can establish before the next bloom season.
Provide a Rest Period
Many household orchids are seasonal bloomers that benefit from a rest period each year. Mimic natural rhythms and boost future flowers by:
- Placing the orchid in a cooler spot around 55°F for 6-10 weeks in fall/winter.
- Cutting back on watering during rest.
- Discontinuing fertilizer until new growth emerges.
- Keeping away from drafts and heat vents.
A rest period allows the plant to conserve energy and set buds for the next flowering. Do not let temperatures dip below 50°F.
Divide Overcrowded Clumps
Mature orchids often grow into crowded clumps that bloom less due to competition for light and space. Dividing an overgrown orchid encourages better flowering by:
- Separating swollen pseudobulbs clustered at the base.
- Ensuring each division has 3-5 bulbs and healthy roots.
- Replanting divisions in pots with drainage.
- Keeping humidity high and shaded until established.
Dividing overcrowded plants produces more orchids to display! Try to divide just before the bloom season for instant gratification.
Troubleshoot Lack of Blooms
If your orchid refuses to rebloom after flowering, there are some common issues to tackle:
Insufficient Light
Lack of adequate sunlight prevents buds from forming. Gradually increase light exposure to 12-14 hours daily of bright, indirect sun.
Improper Temperatures
Make sure daily temperatures stay in the ideal range around 65-80°F throughout the year. Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.
Not Enough Fertilizer
Orchids need regular weak feeding while actively growing for lush blooms. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to 1⁄4 strength each week.
Dry Air
Raise humidity around your orchid by misting, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier. Aim for 40-60% humidity if possible.
Insufficient Watering
Dehydration causes orchids to decline and not bloom. Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week allowing pots to drain fully between waterings.
Lack of Rest Period
Give plants a dry, cooler rest for 6-10 weeks in fall/winter to stimulate flowering hormones.
Be Patient
Orchids may take some time to rebloom after flowering and undergo natural annual cycles. Allow 1-2 years for an orchid to bloom again if providing ideal care. The wait is well worth it for the chance to enjoy those gorgeous, delicate orchid flowers once more!
Conclusion
Caring for an orchid after blooms fall involves maintaining proper growing conditions, pruning spikes, replacing old potting mix, dividing crowded plants, and troubleshooting environmental issues that may prevent reblooming. With a little attentive care, most orchids will reward your efforts with another beautiful floral display in time!