Orchids come in 30,000 different varieties, and that number rises to 150,000 when hybrids are included. Orchids have been around for millions of years and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.
They have a wonderful scent to them as well.
When can we expect them to bloom? Is there anything we can do to help them bloom again?
Do Orchids Rebloom After a Hard frost or rain?
Even if your orchids have already lost their flowers, a little online research can help you figure out what variety they are. When you understand this, you’ll be able to properly care for your plant. Orchids typically produce one to two blooms per year, and these blooms can last anywhere from seven days to more than a year.
From January to March, the majority of orchids produce flowers, although some flower in the fall months. Most orchids have long-lasting leaves, but some orchids lose their leaves each year.
As soon as the plant’s flowers fade, it is considered dormant. The blooming period for orchids is between six and nine months, so don’t toss them out just because they aren’t blooming right now.
For how long do orchids last?
- Orchids usually bloom for two to three months, but they don’t die when the flowers fade away like many other plants. Many orchids can last for decades if they are properly cared for each month.
- Maintaining proper care during the dormant period is essential until they re-emerge from their slumber. During this time, you can do the following:
- It is recommended that you keep your orchids in a temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a 20-20-20 balanced houseplant fertilizer on them on a regular basis.
- When a plant reaches a height of 5 inches, it should be placed against a spike to ensure proper growth.
- As long as it continues to receive the proper amount of water and indirect sunlight, it should do just fine.
- To save water, fertilize your plant on the days you don’t have to water.
- As long as you don’t panic, you’ll see the plant’s return in due time.
Simply relocate the plant if the flowers don’t begin to grow back when they should. Because of its location, it may not be able to bloom again because of the light, humidity, and other factors that are present in the area.
Post-Floral Maintenance of the Orchid
Despite the fact that orchids naturally grow in warm climates, this does not imply that they are water-loving creatures. In fact, it is critical that the soil of these plants not be overwatered. In most cases, you should not even mist them with water.
- It’s possible to create the ideal environment for your plants after they’ve bloomed by doing the following:
- It’s best to use a flower pot with holes for drainage because it allows for better drainage, prevents root rot and wilted leaves, and keeps salt from building up in the pot.
- Water-retentive moss-based potting mixes are the most effective.
- Place pots in your home’s south or east windows at all times.
- The humidity in your home should be between 40 and 60 percent at a temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Orchid growth is aided by gentle air circulation (an oscillating fan or open windows).
- There are a variety of ways to water orchids, from several times a week to once or twice a month, depending on soil moisture.
- When they’re in bloom, fertilize them once a month.
The soil can be rubbed between your fingers every few days if you insert a few fingers into the soil. If the plant is still moist, you don’t need to water it. When your fingers are completely dry from rubbing together, it’s time to re-water your orchids.
Diseases and pests
In addition, you should be aware of any pests or diseases that may arise during this phase.
Hand removal of many bugs is possible. The leaves and stems can be washed with mild soap and water to ensure they are completely clean. If the problem persists, you can also use a pesticide or fungicide, but only if the brand you buy is specifically designed for orchids and won’t kill them in the process. ‘
How to Re-Bloom Orchids
You can prune the plant after the flowers have faded because orchids rarely bloom on the same stem twice. With a standard Phalaenopsis orchid, you can simply cut the stems just above the bottom two nodes for a neat look.
Do not prune your orchids if they have pseudobulbs (the thickened stems that grow at the base of each new growth). All other varieties of orchids should have their stems cut off at the top of the potting soil.
Even in the dormant stage, your orchids still need some attention. Take good care of them while “resting” and they should continue to bloom in the future with no problems.
