Orchids are beautiful and delicate, but when their blooms fade and fall, many owners assume that their plant has reached the end of its life. Fortunately, that's not the case! This shedding of flowers is a normal part of the life cycle, and with the right care, your orchid can bloom again. In this post, we’ll share tips on orchid care after flowers fall off, ensuring that your plant remains healthy and ready for future flowering.
Understanding the Orchid's Lifecycle
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Before diving into how to care for orchids when flowers die, it’s important to understand the lifecycle of an orchid. Each stage plays a vital role in the plant's long-term health.
Blooming Stage
This is the period when your plant is in full bloom, showcasing its beautiful flowers. Depending on the species, this stage can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months.
Dormant Stage
After the flowers fade and fall off, the plant enters a dormant phase. That is, when its flowers die, the plant is resting and storing energy for its next bloom cycle. This stage can last for several months.
Reblooming Stage
With proper care, the orchid will begin to produce new spikes and flowers again. This should mark the beginning of a new bloom cycle.
So, do orchid flowers fall off? Yes. Does that mean your plant is dying? No way! It’s simply taking a well-deserved break!
How to Care for Your Orchid After Blooming
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Once your orchid has finished blooming and entered the dormant stage, it’s crucial to take specific steps to ensure its long-term health and to encourage future blooms. Here's a detailed guide to caring for your orchid after its flowers have faded.
Cut Back the Flower Spike
There are two basic questions here:
- where to cut orchid stem after flowers fall off
- how to trim an orchid after the flowers fall off.
As to “where,” you need to assess the spike (the stem where the flowers were). If it’s turning brown or yellow, it’s best to cut it down to the base of the plant. If it’s still green, you can trim it just above the node (the small bump on the stem). This can sometimes encourage new blooms from the same spike.
As to “how,” it’s even simpler — you should always use sterilized pruning shears for this.
Reduce Watering
During the dormant period, orchids require less water. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water your plant less frequently, around once every 7-10 days. This way, you’ll ensure the potting medium dries out slightly between waterings.
When you do water, make sure it’s thorough. You need to allow water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Adjust Light Exposure
Orchids thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. After blooming, you can reduce light exposure slightly, but make sure the plant still receives enough light to promote healthy growth. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight. This can scorch its leaves.
Fertilize Sparingly
Although the plant is not in active growth when orchid flowers die, it still benefits from occasional feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer at half strength every 4-6 weeks. This helps the plant store the necessary nutrients for its next bloom.
Repot If Necessary
Orchids usually need to be repotted every 1-2 years. It’s preferable to do that after the blooming stage. If your plant’s roots are growing out of the pot or the potting medium is breaking down, it’s time to repot. Use a specialized orchid mix that allows for proper aeration and drainage.
Maintain Humidity
Orchids love humidity, and keeping the air around your plant moist can help it thrive even after blooming. You can maintain humidity levels by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Just make sure the roots are not sitting in water. Or you can also mist the leaves regularly.
Check for Pests
Even after blooming, pests like mealybugs and aphids can attack orchids. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. If something is wrong, treat it promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Be Patient
Orchids take their time to rebloom. That is, it can be several months before you see new spikes. Stay patient, follow the care tips above, and your plant will reward you with beautiful new flowers in the future.
Caring for an orchid after blooming may seem like a challenge, but with the right care and patience, your plant will bloom again. By following these detailed care tips, you’ll ensure your plant stays healthy and strong, ready to dazzle with its flowers once more.
If you need help with orchid care or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to ART Flowers LA. You can also order fresh orchids and other plants from us online, by phone, or by visiting our shop. Plus, if you’re within 4 miles of our shop, delivery is free!
