How to get an orchid flower in 6 easy steps

Knowing how to revive an orchid will give your plant a chance to create a stunning display year after year. While orchids are one of the most popular gifts for those with green toes, many recipients unfortunately will give up the ghost once the flowers have died and assume the plant is gone. But this is definitely not the case.

Not only can orchids bloom again, they can also bloom repeatedly throughout the year and continue to grow in the process. Breeding orchids couldn’t be easier either – just check out our guide How to care for orchids. So there’s no excuse not to give your orchid some TLC; Do that, and you’ll see it bloom again soon. Here’s how to get an orchid flower.

How to get a lizard to rebel

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1. Cut off the old stem – First of all, once the last flower has fallen, you’ll want to cut the stem, even though it may look green and healthy. Most orchids will not bloom more than once on the same stem, except for the moth orchid or Phalaenopsis, so there is no point in leaving a bare stem on display.

Using a pair of sterile shears, or better yet, pruning shears, snip just above the first node on the stem. Cut at a 45 degree angle to create the optimum surface area – this allows for better water absorption and helps water run-off from the wound as well if you point it down. Remove and discard the stem, but keep the peg and clips for your next bloom. Feel free to remove any rotting leaves or roots while you’re here, too – this will improve air circulation. Remember to sanitize your pruning tools again before storing them to prevent potential disease spread.

Lizard watered with ice cubes

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2. Continue watering – While the orchid is resting now, you should still give it the same amount of care and attention as before. However, first of all, you should avoid excessive watering, which is easily done with orchids. Any excess water applied to the roots should be drained from the pot immediately to prevent rotting. Sprinkling water with two ice cubes is an easy way to avoid overwatering. Water orchids once a week for general guidance – if you’re ever unsure, you can always feel the top of the soil mixed in with your finger to see if it’s dry.

Alternatively, if you have time, another method is to soak the orchids for an hour in lukewarm water. The water level should reach the top of the pots, but not spill over them. If you use this method, be sure to hold the orchids in place so they don’t tip over in the water. You can also add some fertilizer to the water to increase its effect. This should be done once a week in the summer and every two weeks in the winter for best results. Leave the orchids outside to drain completely once time is up before returning them to their positions.

Orchid Fertilization

Orchid Fertilization (Image credit: Shutterstock)

3. Fertilize as necessary – Once the flowers have fallen off, you’ll want to give your orchid an initial rest period of compost. Orchid Place (Opens in a new tab) He recommends reapplying the fertilizer as soon as you notice new growth (ie new leaves or roots).

Don’t overdo it, or you may do more harm than good. Follow the instructions on your compost for dosage—if none are given, fertilize once per month with a 25 percent diluted solution. Avoid watering your orchids in the weeks when you are fertilizing them, too. As a fertilizer, we recommend the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Orchid Food ($4.99, Amazon (Opens in a new tab)).

Orchid flower sitting on a table in the living room next to the watering can

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4. Find the best place – This is one of the most important steps in encouraging new blooms. The problem is that it is not easy to find the perfect environment. Orchid will require not only a certain temperature, but also a sufficient amount of natural light. Orchids do best in temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrive in bright, but indirect sunlight. Do not place the orchid in direct sunlight or it will burn – if it must be sitting in the sun, only expose it to the morning sun, which is weaker compared to the peak hours of the day. If you think your orchid’s current niche isn’t enough, feel free to try alternate modes.

If you want to encourage fresh stems, you should also move the orchid to a cooler location during the night. Target an environment with a temperature of 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit for guidance, but remember to return the orchid to its usual place in the morning. This sharp change in temperature recreates your orchid’s natural environment, encouraging fresh growth and flowering.

Orchid removed from pot ready to reheat

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5. Repeat as needed – If your orchid has stopped flowering and refuses to budge despite trying all of the above, you may need to repot it for a fresh shoot. Transfer it to a transparent plastic container of an appropriate size; It is best to use this type of pot so that the roots are exposed to the light as if they were in the natural environment.

Do not use ordinary soil – orchids will not survive due to reduced air flow. We recommend a custom orchid mix, such as the Miracle-Gro Orchid Potting Mix ($5.79, Amazon (Opens in a new tab)). Wait a week before watering for the first time.

Orchids on the windowsill

Orchids on the windowsill (Image credit: Shutterstock)

6. Be patient Even if you follow all of the above guidelines, orchids sometimes take time to bloom. Depending on the species, orchids can bloom every 3 months, or only once a year if conditions are lacking. Either way, the screen is absolutely stunning, and it’s definitely worth the wait.

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