Many Phalaenopsis orchid growers express their desire of learning how to get Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom.  They are the most recognized plant among the orchid family and are considered the easiest orchid to care for because of their low maintenance nature. The delicate balance of poise and elegance of this plant has earned it its popularity among orchid growers.

It is commonly called the moth orchid and will re-bloom twice a year under ideal conditions. It is important for you to create the best conditions for your orchid that will promote re-blooming. Ideal conditions include feeding during the growth period, proper lighting, and the right moisture and humidity conditions. Here are some re-blooming tips for you.

After the Flower Falls

To promote re-blooming, cut the spike of your flower down the stem (halfway down) after the last flower falls. Use a blade that is clean and sharp. Seal the cut using wax from a melted candle or use cinnamon powder. This will prevent a bacterial infection from occurring. A re-bloom should flourish in perfection for up to 3 -4 months.

Two months will be required for resting with the plant receiving varying temperatures during the day and at nights. See the point on temperature for the ideal condition further down. The plant will more than likely re-bloom once you care for it continuously and properly following the regular care guidelines.

Lighting

You may already know that these plants strive well indoors under normal growing conditions, but it does not hurt to re-emphasize the point. Indirect sunlight is best as the leaves will burn easily if they are overexposed to the sun. Keep the plants free from cold or warm drafts. A healthy orchid that does not bloom is usually affected by poor lighting.

Temperature

Your Phalaenopsis will need just a slight change in temperature to stimulate blooming. The plants enjoy just about the same temperature as humans do. At nights, the required temperature is 62°F, while during the day the average temperature should be approximately 72°F.

It is ok for you to deviate from these temperatures occasionally as this will not hurt your plant, but be careful once it starts budding because chilly temperatures can cause your Phalaenopsis to stop budding. The cooler conditions of the night temperature works well for the plant during the spike elongation phase.

Watering the Plant

Plants should be kept moist, but avoid overwatering. Phalaenopsis orchids like to be kept well-drained and watered. Water should be at room temperature and applied once a week. Do not allow the plant to dry out between waterings. Keep the moisture level just a little under the medium’s surface.

Humidity

Try to maintain the perfect humidity conditions. It tends to get a bit dry during the winter, but during this time and when necessary, one technique you may find useful for maintaining moisture is placing your Phalaenopsis over a tray of tap water, using small stones or pebbles to keep the pot and the tray separate. By doing this, you will prevent the plant from sitting in the water. You can also maintain the right humidity conditions by applying a light mist with a spray bottle.

Feeding the Plant

Fertilizing your plant is just as important as watering. Feed your plant during the growth period. Ideally, this should be once per month with some high-nitrogen fertilizer throughout the year. There are flower fertilizers which are specially formulated for orchids. It is best that you use these fertilizers (5-5-5), or alternatively use a general 20-20-20 fertilizer if the flower fertilizer is unavailable.

Mixing proportions should be 1 teaspoon to a gallon of water, but for the 20-20-20 fertilizer where some instructions may state that you use a teaspoon of powder to a liter of water, it is suggested that you cut the concentration to 25%. Therefore, where it says use 1 teaspoon per liter of water, use a quarter teaspoon instead. Do your best not to over feed the plant and avoid feeding once in bloom. Use the rule of less is more.

Repotting

The pot of choice is the semi-transparent pots as these allow the plant’s roots to get light and stimulate growth. Repot your plant every year and use medium grade wood bark, placing the bottom leaf on the medium’s surface. The same pot can be reused as the plant grows upward and does not spread. Water sparingly until the roots are established.

Sometimes getting a re-bloom can be tricky, so don’t get discouraged. Keep with it and follow these guidelines.

Tell us about your reblooming Phalaenopsis orchids by leaving a comment below!

Discover why Phalaenopsis orchids are everyone’s favorite – moth orchids!