How To Get Orchids To Reflower

The orchid family contains numerous species, and their blooming season depends on the type and habitat of a particular plant variety. And changing living conditions can help make the orchids to reflower.

Adjusting the temperature, daylight hours, humidity, and the frequency of watering, you can initiate the flowering of orchids. But you need to remember that only the Phalaenopsis orchid almost does not have a rest period. Most other orchid species need a rest. So, let's learn more about the life cycle of these unique flowers.

dendrobium

Do orchids reflower? Yes, they do. On average, a typical orchid blooms at least two times a year. The duration of the flowering period varies from two to six months. Some varieties, for example, phalaenopsis, often bloom all year round, and it doesn't need some specific care.

However, it happens that the orchid gets used to these favorable conditions and ceases to show its beautiful flowers. In this case, botanists recommend triggering the plant. That is, the orchid owner should create a stressful situation by changing the temperature or watering time. It will stimulate new spikes growth.

After orchid pseudobulbs reach their full size, the growing cycle stops, and the flower is resting. The new season will start when new growth extends upwards from the plant base. During the rest period, the orchid needs less water and nutrients.

Flowering Intervals of Different Orchid Types

Dendrobium kingianum

These orchids are native to the mountains of Australia with sunny warm days and chilly nights. Before its growth, Dendrobium Kingianum needs resting with reduced temperature and insufficient watering, and then getting 14-16 hours of daylight. When this flower spends winter on a cold windowsill without additional lighting, it will bloom in the summer.

Oncidium

Oncidium originates from lowlands, forests, and mountains of Central and South America. You need to find out what kind of oncidium you have, as its different species require different care. This orchid will please you with beautiful prolonged flowering every eight months, and mighty individuals - even every four months.

Cattleya

This fragrant beauty comes from Central and South America, and it needs a lot of sunlight. It is resting in winter, but do not stop the lighting! Moreover, enough light during wintering guarantees the formation of flower buds that will bloom in spring.

Miltonia

This orchid is endemic to Brazilian selva and Colombian jungle. It needs sufficient moisture and does not tolerate direct sunlight. Miltonia rests twice a year: in winter and after the formation of pseudobulbs. Usually, this orchid blossoms from March to August.

Zygopetalum

These orchids occur in Central and South American humid forests. They feel great in shady places, but they don't tolerate excess heat. Therefore, you should spray the plant. It blooms in winter. But first, Zygopetalum must have a rest period with reduced watering and decreasing the temperature to 59°F.

How to Care for a Blooming Orchid?

During flowering, the orchid needs an increased amount of nutrients and sufficient lighting. The factors that can shorten the flowering time of a plant may be:

too-early fertilizing;
excess moisture;
too high air temperature in the room.

A common mistake made by beginners is overusing fertilizers as they think that orchids need enhanced nutrition during flowering. However, excess fertilizing is harmful to the plant. Damage to the roots will affect the further development of the orchid. The recovery of the root system can take up to six months.

Also, be careful when watering the flower. Excess moisture can cause root decay and, instead of prolonged flowering, the orchid will drop flowers, and possibly die.

yellow leaf

Besides, orchids associate high temperature with the end of the wet season and the onset of a drought when all plants hibernate. Therefore, for flowering orchids, high temperature is a signal to stop blooming and start the rest period.

How to Care for a Resting Orchid?

Depending on the type of orchid, after flowering, they require different care methods. Cattleya orchid needs reduced watering and no fertilizing. Dendrobium Kingianum requires a decrease in temperature and quite a rare watering.

In general, most of the orchid species need lower temperatures and reduced watering during resting. The duration of the rest period for each variety is different. Also, orchids do not like movement, and any change in location can damage the flower. It is especially dangerous when the orchid is resting.

Changing the living conditions of orchids at home, the owner can modify the flowering time, adjusting the temperature, lighting, and humidity. While resting, plants withstand more severe conditions than during flowering and vegetation. That is why they need less water and heat. And creating favourable conditions, you can encourage your orchid to reflower 2-3 times a year!