So your Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchid, has rewarded you with a beautiful display of flowers. But now your flowers have all wilted and fallen off. Do you water an orchid after the flowers fall off? What do you do with it now?
Keep reading to learn exactly what to do with your plant.
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DO YOU WATER AN ORCHID AFTER THE FLOWERS FALL OFF?
The simple answer is YES! Unless you've purchased your plant as a disposable plant to throw out after it is done flowering (which many people do), you can nurture your plant so that it grows and blooms for years to come.
Here are some tips:
1. CONTINUE TO ROUTINELY WATER YOUR PLANT
I'll get to what to do with your bloom spike shortly, but at this point, continue watering your plant like normal.
After your plant is done flowering, it should start to grow a new leaf, so just because flowering is finished, doesn't mean that your plant is finished.
Moth orchids grow pretty slowly and usually only grow one or two new leaves per year and they don't really have a "dormant" period.
If your orchid is growing in sphagnum moss, wait until the surface of the moss feels completely dry before watering.
Sphagnum moss can take a while to dry out indoors, especially if it is packed really tightly, which growers often do, unfortunately.
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For orchids growing in a bark mix
If your plant is growing in a bark mix, this medium will dry out a lot more quickly than sphagnum moss, but is a safer medium to have your orchids grow in indoors.
I normally don't tell people to follow a watering schedule, but you'd be pretty safe watering your bark-grown orchid once a week.
The reason is because this chunky mix is hard to "overwater" because of all the air. Root rot occurs not from staying moist, but because of the lack of oxygen that encourages anaerobic microbes.
For more information, I've written a detailed post on how to water orchids that you won't want to miss.
If you want to learn all about how to get your orchid to rebloom reliably and have healthy, thriving moth orchid plants, don't miss my signature, online orchid care course, Become an Orchid Master. It also includes bonuses with support from me, personally, to guide you in your orchid journey!
2. Your plant will start to grow a new leaf
After flowering has occurred, keep watering your plant routinely, and it will start to grow a new leaf. Be sure to fertilize your plant as well during this time.
And if you give your plant good growing conditions, by the Autumn, most moth orchids will grow a new bloom spike.
3. Encourage your plant to rebloom off of the old spike
Don't cut that old flower spike off yet! Even though all the flowers have fallen off, if your orchid spike hasn't dried up, you can encourage it to rebloom off of the same spike.
Simply find where the bottom flower used to be, and cut the spike right below that point.
You would simply cut right where the tip of the scissors are in the photo above.
And if you look closely at the flower spike, you'll see little nodes. In many cases, after you trim the spike like I described, you'll often get a new side flower spike growing from one of those nodes.
That's all folks! I hope you've enjoyed this post, and please comment with any questions. I'm happy to help.
I have two orchids that’s are growing new leaves and roots, but their flower spikes were still green so I did as you recommended and cut them below the bottom flower. How long will it take for a secondary flower spike to grow (it’s been a little over a month) or should I just cut them off and let the orchids focus on the leaves and roots?
Hi Nicole! It's really a personal decision, and the time that it takes for secondary spikes to form varies a lot. Sometimes, it starts right away, and other times it can take a few weeks or more. Usually, if it's been a month or two, and there is NO indication of secondary spikes, I will cut the whole spike off. Hope this helps?
I am dealing with a moth orchid in a ceramic pot with holes, planted in an orchid bark medium. As you have repeatedly mentioned that these kinds of pots and mediums are more of a challenge for watering frequencies. This orchid's leaves are indeed wrinkled because I think the medium keeps drying out too much. My question: Is it a good idea to completely soak the orchid pot (and medium) in water for an hour or so to moisten up the bark periodically (say every couple of weeks) in addition to the more frequent light waterings? Also, because lower leaves have become dehydrated and dropped off, the orchid now has a rather longish "stem" with air roots. When I repot, do I plant the orchid deeper into the new pot closer to the lower leaves? Thanks.
Hi Wayne, I would skip the frequent light watering and just use the soaking method. You may want to do it every 7-10 days or so. Just stick your finger in the bark and check if it feels damp. Remember that they like to dry out, but don't like to stay completely dry for too long. And yes, when you repot, you can definitely bury the main stem of the orchid. Just make sure you don't bury any part of the leaves.
Hi I have a new orchid. I put in an orchid mix of bark. I put it in a plastic pot that has holes. I am noticing now that the Green ..I forget what they are called? A Root maybe can not get out of the holes. Oh Oh. What do I do now. Do I repot the orchid? Or do I take the orchid out of that pot and put it in a new one in the same Bark mixture? All my leaves have fell off of it. Maybe that is why? Let me know please. Thank You
I'm not understanding what you mean by the roots not being able to get out of the holes, but if all the leaves have fallen off, you'll need to understand why because that is the biggest issue, but I'd need more details to help. Can you describe your growing conditions, particularly light and watering? The more detail, the better I can help.
I am enjoying your orchid pages and advice so much! This is exactly the information I've been needing. I had to take my work orchid home after noticing what you call bud blast. I am hopeful its new spot at home will be much more conducive to thriving. Orchids are so beautiful and I want to learn how to keep them beautiful Thank you for all of your great information!
You're very welcome Anna! I'm glad that you are enjoying my page. Have you subscribed to my orchid newsletter? I think you'll find it very helpful 🙂
I am new in this orchid love affair.
Probably you are very occupied answering complex questions…
Maybe you can direct me how to obtain some info in the decision process of cutting dead or valueless roots.
I thank you in advance.
Geo
I have two orchids that’s are growing new leaves and roots, but their flower spikes were still green so I did as you recommended and cut them below the bottom flower. How long will it take for a secondary flower spike to grow (it’s been a little over a month) or should I just cut them off and let the orchids focus on the leaves and roots?
Hi Nicole! It's really a personal decision, and the time that it takes for secondary spikes to form varies a lot. Sometimes, it starts right away, and other times it can take a few weeks or more. Usually, if it's been a month or two, and there is NO indication of secondary spikes, I will cut the whole spike off. Hope this helps?
I am dealing with a moth orchid in a ceramic pot with holes, planted in an orchid bark medium. As you have repeatedly mentioned that these kinds of pots and mediums are more of a challenge for watering frequencies. This orchid's leaves are indeed wrinkled because I think the medium keeps drying out too much. My question: Is it a good idea to completely soak the orchid pot (and medium) in water for an hour or so to moisten up the bark periodically (say every couple of weeks) in addition to the more frequent light waterings? Also, because lower leaves have become dehydrated and dropped off, the orchid now has a rather longish "stem" with air roots. When I repot, do I plant the orchid deeper into the new pot closer to the lower leaves? Thanks.
Hi Wayne, I would skip the frequent light watering and just use the soaking method. You may want to do it every 7-10 days or so. Just stick your finger in the bark and check if it feels damp. Remember that they like to dry out, but don't like to stay completely dry for too long. And yes, when you repot, you can definitely bury the main stem of the orchid. Just make sure you don't bury any part of the leaves.
Hi I have a new orchid. I put in an orchid mix of bark. I put it in a plastic pot that has holes. I am noticing now that the Green ..I forget what they are called? A Root maybe can not get out of the holes. Oh Oh. What do I do now. Do I repot the orchid? Or do I take the orchid out of that pot and put it in a new one in the same Bark mixture? All my leaves have fell off of it. Maybe that is why? Let me know please. Thank You
I'm not understanding what you mean by the roots not being able to get out of the holes, but if all the leaves have fallen off, you'll need to understand why because that is the biggest issue, but I'd need more details to help. Can you describe your growing conditions, particularly light and watering? The more detail, the better I can help.
I am enjoying your orchid pages and advice so much! This is exactly the information I've been needing. I had to take my work orchid home after noticing what you call bud blast. I am hopeful its new spot at home will be much more conducive to thriving. Orchids are so beautiful and I want to learn how to keep them beautiful Thank you for all of your great information!
You're very welcome Anna! I'm glad that you are enjoying my page. Have you subscribed to my orchid newsletter? I think you'll find it very helpful 🙂
I am new in this orchid love affair.
Probably you are very occupied answering complex questions…
Maybe you can direct me how to obtain some info in the decision process of cutting dead or valueless roots.
I thank you in advance.
Geo
Hi George! If the roots are dead (completely shriveled and dried out, or rotted), you can definitely cut them off.