When it comes to caring for your Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchid, you may be wondering what to do after the flowers fall off. Do you water an orchid after the flowers fall off?
The simple answer is YES! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps to take to ensure the health and longevity of your orchid after it has finished blooming.
Continuing to Water Your Orchid
After the flowers fall off, it’s important to continue watering your orchid as usual. Just because the blooming period is over doesn’t mean that your plant is finished growing.
Moth orchids, in particular, have a slow growth rate and may only produce one or two new leaves per year. They don’t typically have a dormant period, so maintaining a consistent watering routine is crucial.
When it comes to watering, it’s important to note that using ice cubes is not recommended. Many people have mistakenly killed their plants by using this method, which is not suitable for tropical plants like orchids.
Instead, it’s best to water your orchid using room temperature water. If your orchid is potted in sphagnum moss, wait until the surface feels dry before watering. For orchids planted in a bark mix, you can water once a week as the medium tends to dry out more quickly.
Understanding the Growth Cycle
To properly care for your orchid, it’s important to understand its growth cycle. After the flowers fall off, your orchid will begin to grow a new leaf. This is a positive sign that your plant is healthy and still actively growing.
During this time, it’s essential to continue providing proper care, including routine watering and fertilization.
In addition to leaf growth, you can encourage your orchid to produce a new bloom spike in the future. By providing optimal growing conditions and following specific care practices, you can increase the chances of your orchid reblooming.
Encouraging New Leaf Growth
To encourage new leaf growth in your orchid, it’s important to maintain a consistent watering schedule and provide adequate humidity. Orchids thrive in environments with higher humidity levels, so consider placing a humidifier or pebble tray near your plant.
This will help mimic the tropical conditions that orchids prefer.
In addition to humidity, proper lighting is crucial for leaf growth. Orchids require bright, indirect light to thrive. Placing your orchid near a window with filtered sunlight or using artificial grow lights can provide the necessary light intensity for healthy leaf development.
Fertilizing Your Orchid
Fertilizing your orchid is another important aspect of post-bloom care. During the active growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer, it’s recommended to fertilize your orchid every two weeks.
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy leaf and root development.
During the dormant season, which usually occurs in fall and winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month. This will allow your orchid to rest and prepare for the next blooming cycle.
Reblooming Off the Old Spike
One exciting aspect of orchid care is the potential for reblooming off the old spike. If your orchid spike hasn’t dried up after the flowers have fallen off, there is a chance that it can produce another round of blooms.
To encourage reblooming, it’s important not to cut off the old spike immediately.
Instead, locate the area where the bottom flower used to be and cut the spike just below that point. By trimming the spike, you create the opportunity for new side flower spikes to grow from the nodes along the main spike.
This can result in multiple rounds of blooming from a single spike.
Trimming the Flower Spike
Once your orchid has finished reblooming or if the spike has dried up, you can proceed with trimming the flower spike. Use clean, sterilized pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut just above a visible node.
This will help stimulate new growth and prevent any potential disease or rot from developing.
It’s essential to be cautious when trimming the spike to avoid damaging the plant. Take your time and ensure that you are making precise cuts to promote optimal growth and future blooming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When caring for your orchid after the flowers fall off, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Overwatering: Orchids are susceptible to root rot, so it’s crucial not to overwater them. Follow the recommended watering guidelines for your specific type of orchid and adjust as necessary based on environmental conditions.
- Neglecting Light Requirements: Orchids require bright, indirect light to thrive. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn. Monitor the lighting conditions and make adjustments as needed.
- Using the Wrong Potting Medium: Orchids have specific potting requirements, and using the wrong medium can impact their overall health. Choose a well-draining medium, such as a bark mix or sphagnum moss, depending on the specific needs of your orchid.
- Ignoring Temperature and Humidity: Orchids thrive in specific temperature and humidity ranges. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or low humidity levels, as this can impact their growth and blooming potential.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can provide the best possible care for your orchid and increase the chances of future blooms.
Final Thoughts
Caring for an orchid after the flowers fall off requires attention to detail and a commitment to providing optimal growing conditions. By continuing to water your orchid, promoting new leaf growth, fertilizing appropriately, and encouraging reblooming off the old spike, you can enjoy the beauty of your orchid for years to come.
Remember to avoid common mistakes such as overwatering, neglecting light requirements, using the wrong potting medium, and ignoring temperature and humidity considerations. With proper care and attention, your orchid will continue to thrive and reward you with stunning blooms.