Orchid Care After Flowering

Orchids are known for their exotic and stunning flower types. They feature a vast range of beautiful colours and patterns. After flowering orchid care is a critical part of your orchid care routine. The steps that you follow should help ensure the long-term health of your plant. This in turn will determine the success of the future flowering of your orchid.

How to Take Care of Orchids After Bloom

Once your orchid has bloomed, it may enter a resting phase. In this phase it will not produce any new blooms. During this phase, the plant is saving its energy to prepare for the new flowering season. This phase may last for several months (typically 6-9 months). It is a normal part of your orchids lifecycle.

So how do I care for an orchid after it blooms?

There are a few things you can do to support your orchid plant after it has bloomed. These will help your plant be in the best shaped to flower again. We have put together a few easy steps and essential tips to help you to care for your orchid plants after blooming.

Care of Orchids After Flowering – Tip 1

Cut Back the Flower Spike

The first, and easiest step in caring for an orchid after it blooms, is to cut back any flower spikes.

You should cut the spike just above the node or joint where the first flower bloomed. When making any cuts you should use a clean sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. This will ensure you make a clean cut, which will protect your plant from diseases.

Orchid Care After Flowering - Tip 2

Repot your Orchid

Repotting your orchid during the resting phase is a vital part of orchid plant care after blooming.

Replacing the potting medium, will provide your orchid plant with a fresh set of nutrients. As a result, this should help promote further growth for the upcoming season.

When repotting your orchid, you should select a pot slightly larger than its current one.

Need a new pot? We have a great selection of Orchid Pots. Once you have decided on which pot to use. You should gently remove your plant for from its old pot and trim any rotting or dead roots.

Add new potting medium to your chosen pot. An orchid repotting mix will help give your orchid plant the boost it needs as it enters the resting phase.

Next, add your orchid plant to the new potting medium. Then give it a good water. You should avoid burying the roots too deep as orchids prefer to have their roots exposed. This allows them to absorb moisture from the air.

After Flowering Orchid Care - Tip 3

Provide Adequate Light

Just like when your orchid is in flower, your orchid will require adequate light. This is necessary to encourage the growth of new flowers. Orchids are happiest in bright, indirect light - near a window is ideal. If you notice the leaves are turning brown or yellow, your plant may be receiving too much light. In which case you may need to adjust the position of your orchid.

Caring for an Orchid After It Blooms - Tip 4

Maintain the Temperature Level

A key step in the care of orchids after flowering is to maintain a consistent temperature. Orchids prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) during the day and a slightly cooler temperature at night of around 65°F (18°C). Consistency is key with the temperature, and you should avoid exposing it to any draughts or sudden temperature fluctuations.

Orchid Care After Blooming - Tip 5

Keep the Humidity High

As well as maintaining a steady temperature, the humidity around your plant should also be kept high.

An Orchid Myst Spray is a quick way to increase the humidity levels around your orchid plant while also prpviding it with essential nutrients.

Care of Orchid Plants After Blooming - Tip 6

Keep Watering

Watering your orchid plant is an important step that can sometimes be easy to overlook after your plant has bloomed.

Even though your orchid is no longer in bloom. You still need to maintain a regular, weekly watering routine. This will help the roots and stems continue with their growth.

You should water your orchid slowly, in small amounts from the top. And allow all water to drain away completely.

A small watering jug will allow you to add small amounts of water to your plant at a time. Why not take a look at our full range of Orchid Watering Accessories where you will find watering cans, misters and much more.

Orchid Care After Blooming - Tip 7

Use a Specialist Fertiliser

The use of a specialist fertiliser designed for orchids such as Orchid Focus Bloom can be used regularly throughout the resting phase. In fact this will provide your orchids with all the essential nutrients it needs to promote further flowering.

Final Thoughts on the Care of Orchid Plants After Blooming

Orchids are very rewarding plants to have in your space. With stunning blooms that last for long periods of time. It may seem daunting to care for orchids after bloom. However, the tips we have provided really do work and should give you confidence when caring for your orchid plant.

With a little patience and attention to detail. You will start to see the colourful and attractive flowers reappear, with your plant producing stunning bllooms once again.