How do I get my orchid to rebloom?

Question:

How do I get my orchid to rebloom?

Answer:

Some orchids bloom annually, others will bloom continuously.  Providing all the proper environmental conditions (light, temperature, water, fertilizer, etc.) will allow for the orchid to bloom well. 

There are many factors that may lead to an orchid that fails to re-bloom.  Reasons why orchids don’t bloom include:

Insufficient Light 

• This is one of the primary reasons why many orchids do not re-bloom.
• When indoors, the best location is usually a south or east window. Most orchids need bright, indirect light to bloom well. 
• If leaves are dark green, they are not receiving enough light and they are not as likely to bloom well.  Instead, orchids should have leaves that are a medium, grassy-green color.
• Move plants to a brighter location or provide supplemental light.

Improper Fertilization  

• Orchids that have not been adequately fertilized will not flower well.
• During the active growing period during the spring and summer months, fertilize weakly weekly using a balanced fertilizer. Utlize a balanced fertilzer at half or quarter strength and apply with every other or every third watering.

Improper Day Length 

• Some species of orchids require short-day or long-day conditions.  Research your species to determine if they require a specific day length.
• Make sure they are not growing in locations where the length they are exposed to light (sunlight or artificial light) is not appropriate for the species. 

No Temperature Drop 

• Most species need several weeks of a 10-15 degree F drop in temperature at night - ideally down to 55-65°F.
• Many also rely on seasonal variation in temperature (warm summers, cool winters) to bloom.  Be sure overall, temperatures are cooler for part of the year to trigger flowering. This happens naturally in the fall – which is why so many species bloom over the winter months.