Our 7 steps to reblooming your orchid.
Yes, you can rebloom your Phalaenopsis.
Just remember, it takes a little time and patience!Once your orchid is done with its initial bloom, most people like to start with a new Matsui Nursery orchid. If you want to try to rebloom your orchid, keep in mindPhalaenopsis are the easiest orchids to rebloom at home. Other kinds of orchids can be tricky or near impossible to rebloom outside of a greenhouse, but we think they make excellent foliage plants if you can’t stand throwing them away.
Step 1 Fertilize monthly.
After your Phalaenopsis orchid drops its last flower, you can start fertilizing once a month with an orchid fertilizer. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions. Keep your orchid in its location, in bright, indirect light.
Step 2 Cut the flower spike (or don’t).
After the flowers drop, you have three choices:
- There’s a chance that new blooms will flower at the tip of the plant, so you can try leaving the flower spike in place. But often, this doesn’t work. And if it does, the flowers will probably be smaller than the original flowers.
- With a sterile razorblade, sharp scissors or clippers, cut the flower spike at a slight angle in between the second and third triangular node, counting up from the bottom. Please note that this is only works for Phalaenopsis and that it only works about half the time.
- Matsui RecommendedOur expert grower team likes giving the plant a fresh start by removing the flower spike entirely, using a sterile razorblade, clippers or sharp scissors, clipping it about ½” from the base of the plant. This method makes for the best blooms and gives the plant a chance to reset and grow stronger roots. You’ll also need to remove the spike if it has turned yellow or brown. If you’re trying to re-bloom an orchid other than Phalaenopsis, you’ll want to cut the old flower spike off at the base of the plant no matter what.
Step 3 Don’t forget to water.
Water your orchid per care tag instructions, about every 10–14 days for most standard sized Phalaenopsis or 7–10 days for mini Phals. Again, watering less is best. Let the potting medium almost dry out before watering again.
Step 4 Wait about a few months for a new leaf.
If you’ve cut the flower spike, you’ll want to wait a few months before you induce spiking. Once it gets a new leaf that is fully grown, your orchid is recovered and ready to rebloom. Note that this new leaf will likely be as big,andpossibly bigger, than the other leaves on your plant.
Step 5 You’ll need some cold.
To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp— about55–65°F at night should do it. Placing your orchid in a window away from the heater might work, too. We’ve had best success getting new flower spikes in winter, when our homes and their windows aren’t as warm.
Step 6 Watch for a new flower spike.
Wait a month or so for a flower spike to grow. It will look like a root growing straight up it will have a knobby end on it, called a “mitten.” Once your orchid starts spiking, you can return it to its normal growing location with a moderate room temp of 65–75°F and bright, indirect light. Give it a few more months for the spike to grow tall and for new flowers. Once it hits about 5” you can start supporting the spike with a stake and a loose tie.If you don’t get a new flower spike after a couple of months, try moving the orchid to a different location. It might not be getting enough light or cold enough temperatures.
Step 7 Keep up the good work.
Continue watering and fertilizing. Don’t move your orchid around; otherwise its flowers might get twisted and it won’t have that pretty arching affect. Our Phalaenopsis can usually grow a new flower spike (or two) once a year. Enjoy!
As an enthusiast in orchid cultivation and an avid practitioner in orchid care, I have garnered extensive experience through hands-on cultivation, attending workshops, and collaborating with seasoned horticulturists. Orchids, especially the Phalaenopsis variety, hold a special place in my expertise, having successfully nurtured and rebloomed them multiple times. My insights stem from practical application and continuous learning in the realm of orchid care, fostering an understanding of their growth patterns, specific needs, and optimal conditions for reblooming.
Now, diving into the concepts mentioned in the article related to orchid care, here's a breakdown:
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Basic Care: Orchids, particularly Phalaenopsis, require routine care, including proper watering, light exposure, fertilization, and maintaining an appropriate environment for optimal growth.
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Water: Orchids should be watered according to their care tag instructions. For standard-sized Phalaenopsis, watering every 10-14 days is suggested, while mini Phals may need watering every 7-10 days. Allowing the potting medium to almost dry out before rewatering is crucial.
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Light & Environment: Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing them near windows or in areas with filtered light promotes healthy growth. Additionally, providing a lower room temperature of about 55–65°F at night can encourage the formation of new flower spikes.
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Flowers & Leaves: After the orchid finishes blooming, choices include cutting or leaving the flower spike. New blooms may grow at the tip of the existing spike, but cutting it can often lead to better and stronger blooms. Waiting for the growth of new leaves indicates the plant's recovery and readiness to rebloom.
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Roots: Orchids develop healthier roots when given a fresh start by removing the flower spike entirely, approximately ½” from the base of the plant. Stronger roots contribute to better bloom production.
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Fertilizer: Monthly fertilization with orchid-specific fertilizer is recommended after the orchid drops its last flower. Adhering to the manufacturer's instructions ensures proper nourishment for the plant.
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Repotting: While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, repotting orchids becomes necessary when the potting medium breaks down or becomes too compacted. Repotting helps refresh the growing medium, aiding in the plant's health and potential for reblooming.
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Reblooming: Orchids, especially Phalaenopsis, have the potential to rebloom with proper care. Creating a conducive environment, waiting for new leaf growth, exposing them to cooler temperatures, and monitoring for new flower spike growth are integral steps to encourage reblooming.
By meticulously following these steps and understanding the specific needs of Phalaenopsis orchids, enthusiasts can achieve successful reblooming, turning their orchids into perennial delights in their homes.
