Orchids are in full bloom when you buy them. Over time, however, it may not bloom again. Mistakes in care are often the cause. Find out here what is important for optimal care.
There are quite a few orchid lovers. If they are asked why their passion belongs to these plants of all things, the answer will probably be unanimous - because of the flowers. The orchid is not stingy with its flowers. Already at the time of purchase, several shoots full of flowers can usually be seen. The flowers shine in the most beautiful colors and don't seem to want to wither at all.
But sooner or later the disillusionment will come. The flowers have fallen off. The bare stems are a sad sight and anyway, what has become of the pretty plant and when will the next bloom finally come? If you are also plagued by these questions, then the following tips and advice can help you to get your orchids to bloom again.
» Tip: Most of the information and tips relate to the Phalaenopsis, the best-known and most widespread orchid in our latitudes.
When the Phalaenopsis becomes a problem child
The Phalaenopsis is the most common orchid in our living rooms. You can find them not only in the garden store, but in almost every supermarket. Last but not least, the plants are so popular because they are considered to be easy to care for and floriferous. Extensive care is in fact not necessary. However, the butterfly orchid is often lazy to bloom.
This can have different reasons:
- wrong location
- Casting error
- wrong or insufficient fertilization
- rash pruning
There is a reason for everything
The Phalaenopsis does not need a hibernation and can therefore be cultivated consistently throughout the year. However, there are also some orchid species that are widespread in our country that go into a dormant phase in winter and therefore do not flower. When you buy it, find out what your orchid needs and whether it is going on a winter break. If this is the case, the indoor gardener must take care to protect the plant during theWatering less and not applying fertilizer in winter.
The hibernation should take place in a cooler location. If you regularly check the plants, you will notice that new shoots will appear in early spring. Then the plant can move back to its warmer summer location and will usually form new flowers.
❍ Lazy orchid due to wrong location
You have often simply assigned your lazy orchids to the wrong location. In this regard, the plant is very sensitive. If the orchid is given the wrong location after purchase or you have moved the plant over time, it can often happen that the orchid does not flower.
First and foremost, the plants need a lot of light. You must not confuse brightness with sunlight, because blazing sunlight is not always beneficial for orchids.
» Tip: A sunny south-facing window is the wrong location for your orchids.
If you want your orchid to flower again, avoid temperature fluctuations or draughts. The ideal ambient temperature is up to 25 degrees. The thermometer should not fall below 20 degrees. There shouldn't be any great temperature differences between day and night either.
Particularly in summer, the sun's rays are harmful to plants and the leaves are burned. In any case, avoid the blazing midday sun. The orchids can be placed without hesitation on an east or west window.
» Tip: The orchids are too dark on a north-facing window, especially in winter.
Sunburn is noticeable through leaf discoloration. The leaves then appear faded and slightly yellowish. Since the plants usually do well in winter in a bright south-facing window, you can move the orchid from the east or west window to the south window in autumn. Most orchids will be grateful for the increased light source.
High humidity is very important for the exotic plants. The kitchen or the bathroom are actually the ideal locations for the plants. In the living room, you can use humidifiers to ensure that the air humidity increases and, above all, remains constant, because a constant climate is particularly important for flowering.
The ideal location for flowering looks like this:
✔ very bright
✔ no direct midday sun
✔ constant temperatures around 25 degrees
✔ no draughts
✔ highHumidity
Provide a cold shock:
Orchids love warmth. With the Phalaenopsis, temperatures should be around 20 degrees all year round. If the plant is cared for properly and still doesn't flower, a cold shock can help. Change the location and place the plant in a room with a temperature of 16 to 18 degrees for several weeks. This cold shock usually stimulates the plants to flower.
The change of location should take place about three weeks after the end of the flowering period. Bring the plant to a room where the temperature is around 16 degrees at night. The plant is cultivated as usual. After about four to six weeks a new bloom should appear.
❍ Lazy blooming orchid due to incorrect watering
Tact is also required when pouring. The Phalaenopsis prefers a damp location, but must never be too wet. Since the orchids are not in conventional potting soil, this condition is difficult to maintain. The water quickly reaches the roots through the loose substrate and can lead to waterlogging there, while the substrate feels rather dry and has not had the opportunity to soak up water.
» Tip: Dipping is better for the orchid than watering
Watering errors are a common reason for the lack of flowering. Too much moisture or, conversely, drying out of the substrate does not immediately lead to the plant dying, but the formation of flowers should not occur. Give your orchid a soak, submerge the plant pot and leave it in the water for up to half an hour. In this way, the substrate can also be supplied with sufficient liquid and you avoid casting errors. This immersion bath should be repeated about every 14 days.
Keep the humidity high at all times. This particularly applies to orchids on the window sill in the overheated living room. If these are not sprayed regularly or if they set up containers with water, this can also lead to the failure to flower.
After dipping or spraying the plants, there should be no more water in the planter. The roots must not be exposed to moisture for a long period of time. In the wild, tropical plants are aerial rooters and are not exposed to moisture for long periods of time. If you want a rich bloom, you should consider the natural growth conditions of your orchid and try to adjust the care accordingly.
❍Orchids do not bloom due to lack of fertilizer
Plants need nutrients to develop flowers. Phaleanopsis need fertilizer all year round. If you have an orchid that goes into hibernation, only fertilize it in summer. Otherwise, provide the plant with special orchid fertilizer every 14 days.
❍ Practice cutting moderation
One of the most important rules for phaleanopsis is never to remove green parts of the plant. So if you cut off the bare shoot immediately after flowering because it's no longer attractive, you shouldn't be surprised if your plant doesn't produce any more flowers.
» Tip: Shoots are only removed when they are completely dry.
Removing green parts of the plant weakens the plant and it does not have enough strength to flower. In addition, it is not uncommon for new buds to appear soon after on the shoot that has already faded. Therefore, only remove wilted leaves and never green shoots.
Don't neglect differences in care
If you only own Phalaenopsis, you can neglect this section, because these orchids do not take a winter break and are cultivated all year round as described. Orchids that take a winter break also need a lot of light. The temperatures may, however, be subject to fluctuations. During the day the plants can stand in a heated room at room temperature, at night it makes sense to move to a cooler and airy room. You can even put these orchids outside in the summer.
Between spring and autumn, these orchids also need plenty of water, which is best given by means of immersion baths. In winter, only the drying out of the substrate should be prevented. You can achieve this by spraying the orchid every now and then.
» Tip: These orchid species are not fertilized during the hibernation between September and February.
The 1×1 of a rich floral splendor
Diving instead of pouring
The described immersion bath provides the plants with optimal moisture and the substrate can also soak up enough water. Orchids love soft rainwater instead of hard tap water.
Open your eyes when choosing a substrate
Normal potting soil is a no-go for orchids. Flowers will not develop, worse, the plant will die completely. Be sure to use special soil with loose components such as tree bark, peat or coconut granules.
Off to the bathroom
Not every orchid is placed in the bathroom. However, this is her favorite spot. The high humidity will have a beneficial effect on flowering. Plants in heated rooms should be sprayed regularly.
Beware of pests
Orchids are relatively rarely attacked by diseases or pests. If this is the case, however, then the plants will not develop flowers. Spider mites, aphids or scale insects appear more often when the humidity is too low. Check the plants regularly. Respond quickly to pest infestation, shower the plant or clean the leaves with a damp cloth.
Orchids willing to bloom for beginners
Genus Cattleya
Species: Cattleya labiata, Cattleya mossiae, Cattleya luteola
Flowering period:
Species without hibernation: Sept. to Nov
Species with hibernation: March to May
Temperature:
Species with hibernation: Dec. to Feb. 8 to 15 degrees / March to Nov. 14 to 20 degrees
Species without hibernation: Nov. to March 12 to 16 degrees / April to Oct. 18 to 22 degrees
Giessen:
Species with hibernation: March to April and Sep. and Oct. pour more
Species without hibernation: pour more from April to July
Genus Epidendrum
Species: Epidendrum ballerina, Epidendrum radicans, Epidendrum nocturmnum
Flowering period: Nov. to March
Temperature:
Dec to Feb 14 to 20 degrees
Mar to Nov 20 to 25 degrees
Watering:
Nov. to March water moderately
April to September water more intensively
Genus Miltonia
Species: Miltonia goodale moir
Flowering: Sept to Nov
Temperature:
Nov to Mar 12 to 18 degrees
Apr to Oct 18 to 22 degrees
Watering:
Nov. to Feb. pour moderately
March to Oct. water more frequently
Genus Oncidium
Species: Oncidium varicosum
Flowering period: March to April / Sept. to Nov.
Temperature:
Nov to Mar 12 to 18 degrees
April to Oct 14 to 20 degrees
Watering:
March, April, Oct, Nov., Dec. watering moderately
Jan. Feb. and May to Sept. more intensively water
Genus Vanda
Species: Vanda delight, Vanda sanderiana
Flowering period: Feb. to May
Temperature:
Not below 18 degrees all year round
Watering:
Dec. and Jan. less watering
Otherwise constantwater
» Extra tip at the end:
During my research I came across a little insider tip: A piece of apple on the windowsill is said to work wonders. It is said to take some time, but many report subsequent flowering. Give it a try and let us know if it worked for you.