Most of us have purchased grocery store orchids (aka "moth orchids"/ Phalaenopsis orchids) or gifted them to a friend. They are sold at their prime - fully in bloom. But what happens after the blooms are gone? Do you toss the plant? Is it dead? The answer is no! Why toss a perfectly good plant when you can make it re-bloom? Here are a few simple things you can do to get your orchids to rebloom.
TRIM THOSE OLD SPIKES!
This may be controversial, but I prefer to trim off the spike/stem of my orchid (applies to Phalaenopsis and Oncidium orchids) after the blooms have withered. Phalaenopsis orchids tend to rebloom on old spikes and they can get really unruly as they continue to grow, which creates a very leggy, messy look. Cutting the old spike off will cause the plant to grow a fresh flower spike during the next growing season.
TO REPOT OR NOT TO REPOT
Most store-bought orchids will be planted in a small container with moss. This may be sufficient for the first or second year, but the roots will start to become root bound and it may be time to repot. You should also check if they roots have any root rot, as most mossy mediums retain water longer and the stores tend to overwater the orchids. If there are a few squishy black roots, simply cut them off before repotting! I've found Phalaenopsis orchids to be pretty hardy and will bounce back once rotted roots have been removed.
When repotting, I like to use a transparent orchid pot, like the ones HERE (you should gradually increase the pot size - never put small orchids in huge pots). Orchid pots allow you to monitor any root growth or root rot. They also have lots of drainage and provide air for the roots. I place these orchid pots in catch pots, like the decorative ceramic pots shown in the second image.
My preferred orchid medium is a well-draining orchid potting mix, with maybe 10% of moss mixed in (optional for better water retention). Never plant your orchids in regular soil. Orchids live on tree trunks in the wild, so they prefer an airy medium like the orchid bark. Airy mediums also help to prevent root rot.
WATERING YOUR ORCHIDS
I do not prescribe to the "watering with ice cubes" trick. I like to water my orchids in the sink! Yes, you heard that right! I take all of my orchids (which are planted in plastic orchid pots or ceramic planters with drainage) to the sink on watering day. I use tap water and water thoroughly, allowing all of the excess water to drain out.
Your watering frequency will depend on your household humidity and pot size, which will affect how fast your orchid medium dries out. I've found that I need to water my orchids once every 7-10 days.
FEEDING YOUR ORCHIDS
Sometimes orchids will need a little extra encouragement to rebloom. There are different types of orchid food, but my favorite is orchid mist! I do a weekly spray on the leaves and any exposed roots. Note: orchid mist also works on hoyas!
If you prefer not to mist, you can mix orchid food pellets into your orchid planting medium.
OPTIMAL LOCATION
Orchids prefer to be in a bright location. Most Phalaenopsis orchids will tolerate average household humidity without the use of a humidifier.
Orchids like some filtered sun, but never place them in harsh direct sun - this can burn the leaves!
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