Tips for Getting Your Orchid Plant to Rebloom
Orchids are beautiful, elegant, and often a little mysterious — especially when their blooms fade and all that’s left is a lonely stem and some stubborn leaves. If you’ve ever thought, Did I just kill my orchid? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The good news is that orchids can rebloom with a little patience and the right care. It just takes the right balance of light, temperature, and care. Whether you’ve got a Phalaenopsis (the most common orchid) or another variety, these tips from Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington will help you encourage those gorgeous blooms to make a comeback.
Trim the Spike (But Not Too Much!)
Once your orchid’s flowers drop, don’t panic! Instead, grab some sterilized pruning shears and take a close look at the flower spike (the long stem where the blooms were). If the spike is still green, trim just above the second or third node (those little bumps along the stem). This encourages a secondary bloom. If the spike is brown and dried out, cut it all the way down to the base; your orchid is done with this stem, and it’s time to focus on new growth. This small trim signals to the plant that it’s time to redirect energy toward fresh blooms.
Give It the Right Light
Orchids need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is just chilling in a dark corner, it’s probably not getting enough energy to rebloom. Move it to a spot with filtered sunlight, like near an east-facing window or behind sheer curtains in a south-facing room. Signs of too much light include leaves that turn yellow or get sunburned spots. Too little light? Dark green leaves with no new growth. Aim for a happy medium with bright but gentle light.
Adjust the Temperature
Orchids love a little drama when it comes to temperature changes. In nature, they experience warm days and cooler nights, which helps trigger reblooming. During the day, keep them in a space between 65-75°F. At night, drop the temperature by about 10 degrees to around 55-65°F. If you’re struggling to create this temperature shift naturally, try moving your orchid to a slightly cooler spot at night, like near a window (but not in a draft).
Water Wisely (Not Too Much!)
Overwatering is the #1 orchid killer, so if you’re guilty of showering your plant with too much love, take a step back. Orchids like to dry out slightly between waterings. A good rule of thumb:
–Water once a week in warmer months.
–Water every 10-14 days in cooler months.
–Always check the roots. If they’re silvery and dry, it’s time to water. If they’re green and plump, hold off. And make sure your pot has drainage holes so excess water doesn’t lead to root rot.
Feed It (But Don’t Overdo It)
Orchids aren’t heavy feeders, but they do appreciate a little extra nutrition to encourage reblooming. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) diluted to half-strength. Feed once a month when your orchid is resting (not blooming). Feed every other week when you start to see new growth. Note that too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant, so less is more.
Repot If Needed
Orchids like snug homes, but after a couple of years, their potting mix breaks down and stops draining properly. If your orchid’s roots look cramped or the bark medium looks mushy, it’s time to repot.
–Use fresh orchid bark (not regular potting soil!).
–Choose a clear plastic pot with drainage holes; this helps you monitor root health.
–Repot right after blooming (not when buds are forming). A fresh pot gives your orchid a healthy environment for new growth.
Be Patient
The biggest key to getting your orchid to rebloom? Time and patience. Unlike other plants, orchids operate on their own schedule. Some will rebloom in a few months, while others might take a year. Keep up with good care, and one day you’ll spot a fresh new spike reaching for the light!
At Cascade Floral Wholesale, we know that getting an orchid to rebloom is like a little science experiment mixed with a bit of magic. With the right light, temperature changes, careful watering, and a little encouragement, your orchid will reward you with stunning flowers once again.