How To Make Orchids Bloom Faster, Constantly Rebloom

Most people do not keep orchids because they will not always be flowery and inviting. There are different types of orchids, and the Vanda species is a favorite as it blooms more than the rest.

 With proper love and care, we can get more orchid flowers. These plants bloom seasonally. Depending on the varieties, they can annually, bi-annually. Once they bloom, they are last for several weeks or months. 

How often do orchids bloom and Reblooms?

Essentially, most orchids bloom once to twice annually, depending on the favorable conditions in their environment. Most varieties of orchids bloom from January to March, while others choose to shine in the fall months. The duration of blooming is also different for different types of orchids, as shown below;

• Cattleyas – may bloom once or twice every year and bloom cycle lasting for 1 to 3 weeks during spring or fall.
• Paphiopedilum – bloom up to twice a year bloom cycle lasting for 4 to 6 weeks. Their blooming periods vary from spring, fall to winter.
• Dendrobium – bloom once to twice a year and bloom cycle lasting for 8 to 10 weeks during winter to spring.
• Phalaenopsis – Also bloom once to twice a year and bloom cycle lasting for 6 to 12 weeks, from winter to spring.
• Oncidium – Bloom once or twice annually and bloom cycle lasting for 6 to 8 weeks, from winter to spring.
• Vanda – blooms twice to thrice per year, and the bloom cycle lasting for 4 to 6 weeks, from spring to fall.

How do I get my orchids to bloom more & reblooming?

The blooming cycle of orchids is quite different from other types of flowers. Most of them will take a rest period of up to 9 months, whereby they remain dormant – no flowers, just roots and spikes. However, with some tender loving care, it is possible to help your plant rebloom. You can try the following to aid the process;

1. Begin fertilizing it as soon as it stops blooming– generally, orchids do not require much fertilizer bloom faster. You can switch from the balanced fertilizer cycle of 20-20-20 to fertilizers with higher phosphorus levels such as 3-12-12 to give it that extra boost and dilute with equal amounts of water. 

The best fertilizers are organic options as they are most likely readily available and rich in natural vitamins and nutrients. Some organic fertilizers include eggshells- for calcium and potassium, Epsom salt- rich in magnesium, pine bark, rice water, and tea, a good nitrogen source. Unpeel potatoes are a good source of potassium and phosphorus. 

Make sure that when you are providing organic fertilizers, they do not attract pests and flies. Some of the organic matters can attract these tiny pests and can damage your plant.

2. Place the orchid in indirect sunlight– Orchids, unlike other plants, are particular about the amount of light they can stand. You can give it just the right amount of light by placing it by the windows facing the east and west side. A good indication of a sunburnt plant is when it begins to develop back tips on its leaves.

3. Place it under a moderate climate– Orchids are likely to grow better in an average of 65–75°F (18-24°C) room temperatures. (May vary for different types of orchids). In the nighttime, orchids can tolerate minimum temperatures of 55°F degrees compared to the 85°F (29°C) maximum in the daytime.

4. Cut the Flower spikes to prepare the orchids to grow again– Most of the orchid’s species will bloom only once from each flower stalk except Phragmipedium and Phalaenopsis orchids. These two can bloom severally from the same stalk. Cutting the flower stalk gives the plant time to regain its energy to rebloom orchids.

5. Avoid overwatering– during the dormant stage, you can feed your orchid with 2 to 3 ice cubes or give it time to drain excess water. The overwater may cause rotting of its roots and, eventually, its demise. Read more about how to water orchids.

Why is my orchid not flowering?

If you have tried all the above yet, your orchid still refuses to bloom for several reasons. First, cool nights must be crucial to an orchid’s growth process. 

Giving your plant cooler nights by turning the thermostat down by 10 degrees in the evening or placing it in a cooler spot may do the trick. Secondly, find a brighter location for the plant; however, is careful not to overdo it. If placed by a south-facing window, consider filtering the light using a light curtain or shade.

Some orchids take time to adjust to their new home. If you decide to repot, replace the old mix with bark-based orchids potting mix, trim off the oldest roots and remove the declining sections of the orchid. 

Additionally, fertilize the plant with diluted houseplant fertilizer during its active growing phase, and finally, if you happened to repot your plant, then this could be the problem.

How to make orchids rebloom constantly

Naturally, orchids have to take time to regain their energy, especially after flowering, which may take a while. To make orchids bloom faster and constantly, be consistent in giving the plant proper care even in its dormant start. 

Pruning spikes.

Once the plant bloomed, you should cut the flower spike. Some of the orchids can bloom the same stalk. Phalaenopsis variety can produce flowers in the same stalk for several months. Therefore let the plant flower stalk stop producing buds.

Phalaenopsis orchids, it is essential to find the healthy healthiest node. The node closest to the last blooming flower is usually considered the healthiest. Above the 1 inch of the healthiest node, cut the stalk.

Other varieties of spikes should be cut once they bloom because their spikes can produce blooms once. Flower spike cutting is essential for orchids to rebloom faster.

Regular fertilizer at the right time.

Applying the right fertilizer to orchids can encourage faster blooming and growth. It is vital to have higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) with micronutrients (trace elements) like iron, calcium.

Granulated fertilizer is not recommending for orchids plants. If you cannot easily find liquid fertilizer, you can use granular fertilizer diluted in water. Overfertilizing orchid plants can dehydrate and kill. 

Fertilize the orchids as per the manufacturer’s recommended periods during the active growing season.

Control temperature. 

Reduce the temperature by 10 degrees overnight. Some of the orchids are sensitive to temperature. For instance, Vandas, Phalaenopsis as well as some Dendrobiums are more susceptible to temperature.

Orchids prefer cooler nights and warmer daytime. The ideal temperature is 50° and 80° F (10° to 27° C). Below 50°F (10°C) is considered too much cold for orchids. Maintain night temperature between 50-70°F (10-21°C).

What temperature can orchids tolerate?

The ideal temperatures for orchids are,

Maintain humidity.

All the orchids grow well, and bloom humidity range from 40% to 70%. The perfect relative humidity for orchids is 60%. If your home does not have that much moisture, you can use a pebble tray or humidifier.

Moist air helps the plant’s roots to absorb nutrients and water from the orchid’s aerial roots.

Providing the right light intensity, watering it sparingly, and feeding it with the right amount of fertilizer should do the trick.

Light.

Generally, all orchids varieties require 5 to 6 hours of light per day. Providing bright light supports the blooming. These tropical climate plants do not like to sit on the direct sun and always keep away from the direct sun. If you notice pale leaves or brown patches, it signs of excessive bright sun.

Apart from being beautiful, orchids teach you to stay patient and take time for rest while still taking care of yourself.