Orchid Revival: How To Care For Orchids Indoors After Bloom

Are your indoor orchids looking less than vibrant after blooming? Orchid maintenance doesn’t end when the blooms fade; this is actually a crucial period for your plant’s health and future growth.

This comprehensive guide will delve into all aspects of caring for orchids indoors after their bloom cycle, touching on practices like repotting, watering, fertilizing and more to ensure next season’s blossoms are even more spectacular.

Ready to turn those fading flowers into flourishing ferns? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

How To Care For Orchid After Blooming

After the orchid blooms have faded, it is important to take certain steps to care for the plant and ensure its continued health and vitality.

#1 Cutting the flower spike back

Taking care of your orchid does not end once the beautiful flowers fade away; in fact, this can be a critical time in your indoor orchid’s life cycle. The process involves focusing on a key task – cutting the flower spike back. Here’s how to undertake this important step:

1. Ensure you have the right tools for trimming, such as a sharp pair of scissors or a knife.
2. Look at your orchid’s spike after all the blooms have fallen off.
   If it still appears green and healthy, consider leaving it intact.
3. Assess if you wish to cut down entirely or just trim above one of the nodes on the spikes.
4. If the entire spike seems unhealthy, proceed with removing it all from where it emerges from the leaves.
5. For those who decide to cut above a node, ensure it’s done correctly to foster new growth and future blooms.
6. Engage proper sanitation measures by washing and disinfecting your cutting tool before proceeding with any form of pruning or trimming.
7. Execute a clean cut ensuring not to damage other parts of your orchid during the process.
8. Post – cutting care is essential; seal off the trimmed area using cinnamon powder or melted wax to prevent infection.
9. Realize that how much you trim depends heavily upon your preference and more importantly, the overall health of your orchid plant after blooming.

#2 Repotting if necessary

Indoor gardeners often mark the end of an orchid’s bloom as the perfect time for repotting if necessary.

• Check for signs that your orchids need repotting such as crowded roots pushing up from the pot.
• Plan your repotting schedule to coincide with the post – bloom period. This is essential because repotting during blooming could harm the flowers.
• Springtime, following a bloom cycle, provides ideal conditions to rehouse your orchids.
• Use an appropriate orchid potting mix that promotes excellent root growth and drainage.
• Keep in mind that different types of orchids require specific care after flowering. For instance, Phalaenopsis orchids and mini orchids each have their unique set of requirements.
• If you notice air roots on your plant, adjust your repotting technique accordingly. These plants might require a different approach.
• Newly acquired plants should be repotted promptly to ensure their wellbeing and establish a regular care routine.
• Don’t forget to resume watering after repotting despite the flowerless state of your plant. The frequency might vary based on the type of orchid and its’ unique needs.
• Consider making repotting an integral part of your indoor gardening routine every one or two years, depending on your plant’s growth rate and root development.

#3 Adding fertilizer

Orchid care after blooming often requires a strategic approach to feeding. As proficient indoor gardeners, it’s necessary to understand that orchids do not need high doses of fertilizer to thrive. Here are key points to remember:

• Start with consistent fertilization once all the flowers have fallen off. It’s advisable to use a balanced orchid fertilizer like a 20-20-20 formula that includes all necessary trace elements.
• Switch to high phosphorus fertilizer in the fall season. This shift can boost bloom for the following year since phosphorus-rich formulas like the 10-30-20 promote flowering.
• Avoid fertilizing your orchid while it’s still in bloom. Orchids don’t require nourishment during this period as they’re primarily focusing on flower development.
• Opt for specialty formulations after reblooming, such as urea – free orchid fertilizer. Weakly weekly application of such fertilizers is recommended after watering sessions.
• Experiment with making homemade orchid fertilizer if you prefer natural alternatives.

#4 Moving the orchid to a cooler temperature

Moving your orchid to a cooler temperature is a crucial step in caring for it after blooming. This helps trigger the resting period and prepares the plant for future growth and flowering. Here’s what you need to know about moving your orchid to a cooler temperature:

1. Find the right temperature range: Orchids have specific temperature preferences, and it’s important to meet their needs for optimal growth. Depending on the type of orchid you have, the ideal temperature range may vary. Some warm-growing orchids, like phalaenopsis, prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, intermediate-growing orchids such as cattleyas do well with winter nights around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Create a suitable environment: When moving your orchid to a cooler temperature, ensure that it is placed in an area where it can experience consistent coolness without extreme fluctuations. Avoid exposing it to drafts or sudden changes that can stress the plant.
3. Monitor temperatures carefully: It’s essential to regularly check the temperature of the room where you’ve relocated your orchid. Use a reliable thermometer and make adjustments if necessary to maintain the desired temperature range consistently.
4. Give it time: Orchids need time to adjust to new conditions, including cooler temperatures. Allow your plant at least a couple of weeks in its new environment before assessing its response.
5. Observe signs of adaptation: Watch for signs that your orchid is adapting well to the cooler temperature, such as healthy foliage growth or new roots emerging from its potting medium.
6. Be aware of any adverse reactions: If your orchid exhibits signs of stress or decline after being moved to a cooler temperature, consider adjusting the conditions accordingly.

#5 Watering after blooming

Proper watering is crucial when caring for orchids indoors after they bloom. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Use three ice cubes: After your orchid has finished blooming, water it by placing three ice cubes on the growing medium. This slow-melting method helps prevent overwatering and ensures that the roots receive just the right amount of hydration.
2. Maintain a consistent schedule: Orchids prefer regular watering, so establish a routine and stick to it. Avoid letting the potting medium dry out completely between watering sessions, as this can stress the plant.
3. Check for proper drainage: Orchids need well-draining pots to prevent root rot. Ensure that your orchid’s container has adequate drainage holes and use a suitable potting mix specifically designed for orchids.
4. Monitor humidity levels: Orchids thrive in high humidity environments. If your indoor space lacks moisture, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray filled with water near your orchid to increase humidity levels.
5. Avoid wetting the leaves: When watering your orchid, direct the water towards the roots and avoid getting moisture on the leaves or crown of the plant. Wet leaves can lead to fungal infections and other problems.

Understanding the importance of post-bloom orchid care, like using three ice cubes for watering, is vital for orchid enthusiasts. For more on innovative orchid care techniques, explore our guide at growing orchids without soil.

How to Encourage New Growth and Flowering in Orchids

To encourage new growth and flowering, ensure that the orchid receives adequate light and is kept at the proper temperature. Prune the orchid to stimulate new spikes and regularly fertilize to provide essential nutrients.

Monitor humidity levels to create an optimal environment for healthy growth.

Providing proper light and temperature conditions

To ensure the healthy growth and flowering of your orchids, it is essential to provide them with the proper light and temperature conditions. Follow these tips to create an ideal environment for your indoor orchids:

1. Optimal light levels: Orchids need bright but indirect light to thrive. Place them near a north or east-facing window where they will receive filtered sunlight. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves.
2. Maintaining proper temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the growth and flowering of orchids. During the day, aim for temperatures between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius) for most orchid varieties. Night temperatures should not drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). Maintaining a consistent temperature range is vital for their well-being.
3. Creating suitable conditions: Orchids generally prefer a 10-15-degree Fahrenheit (5-8 degrees Celsius) drop in temperature at night compared to daytime temperatures. This fluctuation stimulates new growth and flowering in almost all orchid types.
4. Understanding Phalaenopsis requirements: Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, have specific temperature preferences. They prefer daytime temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). Providing these conditions optimizes their growth and ensures abundant blooms.
5. Orchid care during colder months: As winter approaches, make sure your indoor garden maintains warm temperatures within the recommended range for your specific orchid varieties. Adding supplementary lighting may be necessary during darker winter months to ensure adequate light levels for your orchids.

Pruning to stimulate new spikes

Pruning orchid spikes is a vital step in caring for your indoor orchids after they bloom. Not only does it help maintain the health and appearance of the plant, but it also stimulates new growth and encourages future flowering. Here are some tips on pruning techniques for orchids:

1. Trim the spike: After the flowers have fallen off, it’s time to trim the orchid spike. Cut about 1 inch above a node or bump on the spike. This will give the plant a chance to produce new spikes from these nodes.
2. Remove unhealthy spikes: If you notice any brown or withered spikes, these should be cut all the way back to the base of the plant. Removing them will prevent any potential diseases from spreading and redirect energy towards healthy growth.
3. Direct energy towards leaves and roots: By cutting off spent flower spikes, you’re allowing the orchid to focus its energy on growing new leaves and roots. This will promote a healthier overall plant.
4. Encourage proper growth: Most moth orchids or Phalaenopsis will grow a new flower spike about once a year. Pruning helps stimulate this growth by removing old spikes and allowing room for new ones to emerge.

Encouraging new growth and future blooms in your orchids through techniques like trimming and removing unhealthy spikes is essential. If you’re also interested in keeping your orchid leaves clean, you can read our article on How To Clean Orchid Leaves Naturally

Regular fertilization

Regular fertilization is crucial for promoting healthy growth and flowering in indoor orchids. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Orchids should be fertilized every 2 weeks during peak growth seasons (spring and summer) and once a month during dormancy (fall and winter).
2. Using a balanced orchid fertilizer with a ratio of 30-10-10 is recommended to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
3. Regular feeding, at least every 3 weeks, is key for diverting energy to the entire plant instead of just focusing on existing stems.
4. Consistent fertilization helps stimulate fresh growth and blossoming in your orchids.
5. Granular or liquid orchid fertilizer can be applied monthly to maintain healthy growth throughout the year.
6. Remember to avoid fertilizing blooming orchids as it is unnecessary during this stage.
7. By following proper fertilization practices, you can contribute to getting your orchids to bloom again in the future.

Monitoring humidity levels

Maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for the health and growth of your orchids. Here are some important points to remember when monitoring humidity levels for your indoor orchids:

1. Use a humidity monitor: Invest in an indoor humidity monitor to keep track of the moisture levels around your orchids. This will help you make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
2. Aim for moderate humidity: Most orchids prefer a moderate level of humidity, ideally around 50 percent or higher. This mimics their natural tropical environment and promotes healthy growth.
3. Avoid excessive dryness: Orchids thrive in humid conditions, so make sure the air isn’t overly dry. Dry air can cause issues like leaf discoloration and poor flowering.
4. Misting or using a humidifier: Regularly misting your orchids with water or using a humidifier can help increase the humidity levels around them. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive misting can lead to fungal problems.
5. Consider placement: Position your orchids in areas with naturally higher humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. These spaces often have more moisture in the air, providing a favorable environment for your plants.
6. Utilize humidity trays: Placing your orchid pots on top of a tray filled with water and pebbles can create additional moisture around them. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity near the plants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overwatering your orchids, as this can cause root rot. Also, be sure to provide indirect light and proper drainage for optimal growth.

Overwatering

Overwatering is a common mistake that many beginner orchid caregivers make, often unknowingly putting their plants at risk. Orchids have delicate roots that cannot tolerate being constantly wet.

Excessive watering can lead to root rot and damage the overall health of the plant. It’s important to remember that orchids should not be watered until they actually need it. Misguided information and misconceptions about orchid care often contribute to this problem.

To prevent overwatering, it’s crucial to find the right balance and only water your orchid when the potting medium has dried out properly, which is usually about once a week for most indoor varieties.

Given that overwatering can severely harm orchids, understanding the correct watering technique is essential. Learn more about proper orchid root care at How to Clean Orchid Roots.

Exposing orchids to direct sunlight

One common mistake to avoid when caring for orchids indoors after they bloom is exposing them to direct sunlight. While orchids do require strong light to thrive, too much direct sunlight can actually be harmful and lead to sunburned leaves and damage to the plant.

Orchids are shade-loving plants that naturally grow under the canopies of trees in their native habitats, so they’re not accustomed to intense sunlight. Instead of placing your orchid in a sunny window sill where it may receive direct sunlight, consider providing them with bright indirect light or using grow lights as an alternative source of consistent and controlled lighting conditions.

By avoiding excessive exposure to direct sunlight, you’ll help prevent sunburn and keep your indoor orchid healthy and happy.

Neglecting proper drainage

Neglecting proper drainage when caring for orchids indoors after bloom can have detrimental effects on their overall health and growth. Orchids should not be planted in regular soil but instead in a specialized growing medium that allows for quick water drainage and good air circulation.

When there is poor drainage, excess water can accumulate around the roots, leading to root rot and suffocation. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that your orchid pots have adequate drainage holes or use special orchid pots with slotted sides or bottom.

Overwatering is one of the common mistakes to avoid with indoor orchids, so make sure the excess water has a way to escape easily. By prioritizing proper drainage, you can prevent overwatering and create an ideal environment for your orchids to thrive.

Understanding the role of drainage in orchid health is crucial, especially when choosing pots; find out more at Why Do Orchid Pots Have Holes.

Using the wrong type of fertilizer

Using the wrong type of fertilizer for your orchids can have detrimental effects on their overall health and blooming potential. It’s important to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids, as they have unique nutritional needs.

Orchids require a balanced blend of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but in specific ratios that differ from other plants. Using a fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus can actually reduce flowering in orchids.

Additionally, avoid using general-purpose or “10-10-10” fertilizers on your orchids, as these are not conducive to their growth and bloom cycles. By using the right type of fertilizer tailored for orchids, you can ensure your indoor garden thrives with healthy blooms all year round.

FAQs – How to Care for Orchids After Blooming

1. How should I care for my orchids indoors after they have bloomed?

After your orchids have finished blooming, you should continue to provide them with the same care and conditions as before. This includes placing them in a bright location with indirect sunlight, watering them appropriately, and maintaining proper humidity levels.

Once the flowers fall off, cut the spike just above the node to encourage reflowering. Continue to provide your orchid proper care with regular watering and fertilization.

2. Should I cut off the flower spike once my orchid has finished blooming?

It is recommended to wait until the flower spike turns brown or yellow before cutting it off. This allows the plant to absorb nutrients from the dying spike. Once it has completely dried out, you can trim it back to encourage new growth.

3. How often should I water my orchids after they have finished blooming?

The frequency of watering will depend on various factors such as the type of orchid, potting medium used, and environmental conditions. It is important not to overwater or let the roots sit in standing water. Generally, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings is a good guideline.

4. Can I fertilize my orchids after they have finished blooming?

Yes, you can continue fertilizing your orchids even after they have finished blooming. However, it’s best to use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency. Fertilization helps promote healthy foliage growth and preparation for future blooms.

5. What should I do if the orchid stem is still green after the blooms fall off?

If the flower stem is still green, there’s a chance that your orchid might rebloom. Continue to provide care for your orchid and it may produce flowers again.

6. How do I take care of the orchid roots?

Orchid roots should never sit in water. You should repot your orchid in a well-draining orchid mix and provide proper ventilation for the roots.

7. How can I encourage my orchid to rebloom?

To encourage your orchid to rebloom, you should mimic its natural environment. Provide your orchid with the right amount of light, humidity, and temperature it needs to thrive.