What to do after orchids fade?
Here I reveal my secrets to make them bloom again very easily.
I used to think that the phalaenopsis orchid was a single-flowering plant.
And I admit that once deflowered, I put it in a corner.
However, my best friend florist explained to me how to induce flowering several years in a row.
Since I followed these tips, they bloom every year.
So much so that I don't even have to buy new ones anymore.
This is the 8th year in a row that I have managed to get my old orchids to flower!
Here are my 7 tips for making an orchid that has already had flowers bloom . Watch:
As soon as the orchid loses its last flowers, it is recommended to cut the stem, especially if it begins to dry out.
And there, two schools clash:
- those that cut the stem at the base,
- those that cut the stem above the third eye.
The eye is this kind of dark growth in the shape of a ring.
There are several on a stem. Count in 3 starting from the foot and squeak! Cut with secateurs.
For my part, I always cut at the foot. First of all, because it promotes the appearance of a new bud which will become a flower spike.
But also because it's more aesthetic than having a piece of stem half dry for several weeks.
Use fine pruning shears for a precise cut.
Even if it doesn't need much, the orchid makes a lot of roots.
Why?
Because that's what it uses to capture moisture in its natural state when it hangs on trees in tropical forests.
It turns out that the roots take up a lot of space.
When the roots are too tight in the pot and start to come out, it's time to repot it.
Basically every 3 years .
There are ready-made mixtures of soil and woodchips in garden centers.
Choose a slightly larger pot, fill it with this substrate, and put the orchid in it.
While you are repotting your plants, also remember to drain the bottom of the pot well .
To do this, add clay balls or wood bark to the pot.
This is what allows the water to drain well and not stagnate at the bottom of the planter.
Because, it must be remembered, the orchid hates having its feet in stagnant water.
It would rot in a few weeks.
These plants love heat and humidity. Let's not forget that these are plants from the tropical forests.
My tip:put my orchids outside from the end of May to the end of September .
But not just anyhow!
I place the pots under a hedge or shrub that will provide shade, as they hate direct sun.
Then I forget about them for 4 months.
I don't even water them:they manage like in the wild with ambient humidity and dew.
At the end of September, when the nights become cool, I bring in all my pots.
Be careful, they should not be left outside if it is less than 13°C.
And there...miracle!
About 3 to 4 weeks later, a new stem comes into view.
And here we go for several months of intense flowering.
Orchids need lots of light to thrive.
So we can put them behind a window.
On the other hand, they hate direct sun , because its leaves burn.
Avoid putting them behind a bay window in direct sunlight. Especially in summer.
A very bright room is also very suitable for this plant. And at least it limits the risk of sunburn.
Once the plant is happy in one place, don't move it.
No watering like a classic plant.
But we will rather spray a little water directly on the roots about once a week.
The orchid does not need a lot of water , but of constant humidity.
For my part, I bathe my orchids every week.
For this, I put the pots in a basin with a bottom of water.
I let them soak for about 30 minutes, then put them back in their usual place.
As a rule, the orchid does not need fertilizer .
It is therefore useless to put it regularly. Why?
Quite simply, because it will harm the plant by stimulating it too much.
There is a risk that she will die prematurely.
This is what some unscrupulous garden centers do:they chemically boost flowering.
So that once at home, the plant finishes flowering and then dies in a few days.
So that's good news:
No need to ruin yourself with chemical fertilizers that pollute the planet!
There you go, now you know what you need to do to get your plant to give new flowers :-)
Know that orchids have a dormant phase between 6 to 9 months depending on the variety.
During this cycle, it cannot produce new flowers...
As you will have understood, patience is essential for a successful new flowering.
First, know that some strains are easier to flower than others.
Phalaenopsis are less demanding than bamboo orchids for example.
Do not forget that these plants bloom about 1 time per year.
We must therefore give them time .
The worst thing is that some garden centers force them to bloom with fertilizers.
If this has been the case, the plant will have to rest for several months before producing new flowers.
Don't hesitate to put them outside in the summer.
A change in temperature stimulates flowering.
Change the place of the plant. It can only flower if it really likes itself.
Experiment:test a new place and leave the orchid at least 1 month to acclimate.
Be careful, she doesn't like drafts.
