Healthy, vibrant flower spikes are the secret to a stunning floral display. With just a little bit of TLC, you can encourage your orchid to push out new growth and start blooming again. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do to get your orchid ready for its next big show!
Setting the Stage for New Growth
Most orchids take a little “nap” or dormant phase after their blooming period ends. Depending on the variety, this rest can last anywhere from a few days to several months. To give your orchid a little wake-up call, try moving it to a slightly cooler spot for a few weeks. During this time, cut back on watering and stop fertilizing altogether. After a few weeks of this “tough love,” your orchid will usually reward you by starting to sprout new growth.
Orchid Care Tips for Strong Growth
Once you see that new spike starting to peek out, it’s time to move your orchid back to its favorite sunny spot and resume your regular watering and fertilizing routine.
Orchids love a bright location with warm temperatures (ideally between 68 and 77°F). They’re also big fans of humidity—aim for at least 60% if you can. A great trick is to regularly mist the aerial roots and leaves with lukewarm, filtered water (or rainwater) to keep them happy.
When is the Best Time to Repot?
If your orchid is growing but hasn’t started budding yet, it’s the perfect window to repot it into a fresh pot with new orchid bark or substrate. Just be extra careful not to bump or damage that tender new growth while you’re working!
Don’t Reach for the Pruners Too Fast!
If you still have old flower spikes on your plant, don’t be in a rush to snip them off. Phalaenopsis orchids, in particular, often grow new side branches from “sleeping eyes” (nodes) on the old stem. Even if the plant is already pushing out a brand-new spike from the base, leave the old green stems alone until they actually turn brown and dry up.
Is it a New Spike or Just a Root?
In the first few days of new growth, it can be tricky to tell if you’re looking at a flower spike or a new root. Don’t worry—give it a few days and the plant will give you the answer:
- Spikes grow upward toward the light.
- Roots almost always grow downward into the pot.
Keep Those Leaves Glowing
Don’t forget about leaf care! Healthy leaves mean a healthy plant. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dust so the plant can breathe, and consider using a leaf conditioning spray to give it an extra boost of nutrients.
