How to help orchids re-bloom

While some people think that orchids are very difficult to care for, there are a few simple steps that you can take to help yours grow and flourish year after year. There is nothing quite like the beauty of these flowers which is why we always want to help them re-bloom.

The first thing you need to remember is to place your orchid in the correct spot so that it receives the right amount of sunlight. Indirect sunlight is best. Consider how these plants grow in nature and how they are naturally shielded from the sun by the foliage of the tree on which they grow. If your orchid is getting too much light, you will notice black tips on the leaves.

A moderate climate is also best if you want to keep your orchid happy. This means that it should never get too hot or too cold. For the most part, if your home is heated in the winter, this should not be a problem. Of course, you should never place your orchid near any source of heat, fans, or air conditioners. Avoid extreme or sudden temperature changes to keep your orchid’s environment stable.

For the most part, your orchid only needs to be watered once a week or even once every two weeks. Check the potting soil before watering. Stick your finger into the soil rather than just feeling the top. If it is still moist, you can wait for another couple of days before checking again. Only when it starts to feel dry should you water. Make sure that there is excellent drainage. You do not want the roots to soak in water or they may rot.

After its first bloom cycle, your orchid will become dormant. This is the time to add a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizing should take place every week or every month depending on the type of orchid and you should always follow the instructions on the package. The orchid should be moved to a cooler spot and always placed in indirect light. When the new flower spike emerges, you will need to support it by adding a sturdy stick and gently securing the spike to the stick. If your orchid does not re-bloom, you may need to move it to a slightly warmer spot to encourage flowers to grow.

Some common reasons that cause orchids not to bloom include insufficient light, too much light, the wrong temperature, lack of soil nutrients (add fertilizer), too much water, the need for a larger pot, too little water, or even simply the season. Let your orchid tell you what it needs and you may enjoy blooms twice a year!