How Do You Get Cycnoches to Bloom?

Light

• Display your cycnoches orchid in an area that receives bright, filtered light. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight to avoid burning and damaging the leaves. Keep an eye on the leaf coloring to gauge whether it’s receiving the proper amount of sunlight. Bright green is the color you’re shooting for, as opposed to a deeper color, which is a sign the plant isn’t receiving enough light. If the leaves are dark green, move your orchid closer to a window, skylight or other area that receives indirect natural light.

Fertilizer

• Choose a food formulated for orchids. To avoid damaging the orchid, follow the directions, which generally involve diluting the fertilizer and applying it once a month. Resist the temptation to overfertilize the cycnoches plant to encourage blooming, as this only causes damage to the leaves and root system. Cut back on the fertilizer, according to the package directions, during the plant’s dormant period, which occurs between late fall and early spring. Fertilizing the cycnoches during this period causes the plant to sprout new, potentially unhealthy growth.

Water

• Provide the cycnoches with the proper amount and correct type of water to help encourage blooming. Allow the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. Depending on the room temperature, humidity and other factors, this could result in a watering every five to 12 days. Water the plant during the morning or early afternoon to allow the majority of water to evaporate during the daylight hours. Cut back on the amount of water your cycnoches receives during its dormant period. Avoid overwatering the orchid in an attempt to promote blooming, as it can result in root rot and bacterial infection. To combat root rot, allow the potting soil to dry between waterings.

Temperatures

• Provide the orchid with cooler temperatures at night to promote blooming. During the day, mimic the warmer, tropical temperatures of the cycnoches home region by housing the orchid in temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the sun falls, move the orchid near an open window or into a space that is around 60 to 65 F for two to three weeks. This temperature change mimics a natural climate, which promotes healthy growth and blooming.