Q&A for How to Get Orchids to Bloom

The general rule when replanting orchids is to wait until the flower is no longer in bloom.

Orchids grow very slowly! Continue to care for your plants correctly and be patient. If your orchids have not been exposed to cooler temperatures in a while, you might try doing that.

There are mixed opinions about whether or not you should cut the long stem after your orchid has bloomed. Here's a webpage with an in-depth video you can check out: https://www.repotme.com/orchid-care/Phalaenopsis-Care.html

You might be able to help improve the bloom by making sure that your orchid gets a period of coolness. Phalaenopsis (also known as moth orchids), for example, need a month of cool temperatures to trigger blooms.

Over-watering is a very common problem with orchids. They really only need about a shot glass of water each week.

You may cut it when the keiki has roots about three to four inches long. This may take up to a year.

Make sure there is a drop in temperature during the night. You can trigger re-blooming from old spikes by cutting them just above one of the nodes, but this will drain energy from the plant.

Cold drafts, low humidity, or very cold temperatures will make buds fall before they open. You should try to move your orchid away from where there might be a draft, such as a window or air conditioner. If it is very dry, you can try misting it with water.

Sitting in water is often times fatal to an orchid. Dry it out somewhat and correctly re-pot it.

Orchids have a particular blooming season and it's difficult to get an orchid to bloom off-cycle. If your orchid is in an active growing phase, fertilize it when you see new growth. Once the first flowers fade, fertilize again to stimulate a new round of blooms inside that same season.

That depends on the size of the plant. If it is as big as a grocery store orchid, it should bloom the same year/following year. If it is a few inches smaller, you may have to wait a few years.

Your orchids probably need more light exposure. Check the needs for your particular species. You may also need to provide a nightly drop in temperature of about 10 degrees to trigger the blooming cycle.

I wouldn't. Some shoots grow from the canes and the orchid still needs the stem for water.

Leave at least two stem "joints" at the base. Cut the stem an inch or so above the second one up from the base.

Most likely because the pot is soaking wet and it can't get its nutrients below. Orchids are "epiphytes", they get the majority of their nutrients from the air. Keep the growing medium barely damp/almost dry if you want the roots to be happy.

Orchids like bright, indirect light. If you place them on the south side of your home, take care that the area by the glass window does not get overly hot, as they can sunburn/heat burn fairly quickly.

No. Unless the roots are dead, you should leave them. Cutting the roots can injure or even kill the plant.

Try looking at local orchid nurseries, or try ordering online if there are no local options.

Orchid leaves, like leaves of other plants, grow old, die fall off. Wait until they've dried up before removing them from the plant or cutting them. You can stimulate new growth with light fertilization, bright-indirect lighting and a daily temperature shift of at least 10 degrees between day and night.

I keep mine on a baker's rack on my covered patio. They receive morning sun and afternoon sun. I also put chopped pine needles on top to keep wind from drying them (plus they are acidic, which orchids like).

Orchids have “air” roots that draw oxygen and other nutrients from the air. You should leave these exposed to air and don’t need to cut them.

First, wet the roots to make them more flexible. Pull the orchid out and remove as much of the old material as you can without breaking any roots. Cut off any brown/dry/hollow roots with sterile scissors because they are dead. If you are worried about pests or fungus from the old mix, you can spray the roots with 3% hydrogen peroxide which will turn to water after it’s done fizzing. Add the new material (a mix of bark chips and moss) around the roots in the new pot and you’re done!