What Causes an Orchid to Bud?

Light Requirements

• Orchids have different light requirements based on their type. For example, high light orchids include Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Vanda. Whereas, low-light orchids such as Paphiopedilum, Oncidium, and Phalaenopsis will not bud if places in high-light environments. You will notice your orchid getting too much light when leaves discolor or burn. If your orchid is not getting enough light, it will not produce blossoms during its blooming period. When increasing the light, make sure that you move the orchid to its light source slowly to prevent burning.

Dormancy

• When certain types of orchids are given a certain amount of consistent darkness, they are able to bud. Orchids that are allowed to go into nighttime dormancy produce a chemical that facilitates blooming. Artificial light from the room may impede on the orchid's ability to produce this chemical. Gardeners induce budding by giving their orchid the same amount of dark hours a day as they give them light. To ensure that your plant is in complete darkness, place the orchid in the basement of closet overnight.

Fertilizer Application

• A healthy orchid getting enough nutrients bud at the proper time. Because all of the nutrients that orchids need are not readily available in their potting medium, gardeners apply fertilizer. Fertilizers for orchids contain percentages of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Your fertilizer may be a complete fertilizer, which means that there are equal mounts of all three nutrients or a fertilizer high in phosphorous. You can check by looking at the NPK -- nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium -- amount on your fertilizer's label. Water your orchid before applying diluted fertilizer.

Other Factors

• Other factors that contribute to orchid's budding include using the right potting medium, increasing humidity around your plant, removing any pests and making sure that your orchid is in the right size of pot. Orchids that are potted in too large of pots contract root rot, which stunts the growth of the plant. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root mass of the orchid. Measure the root mass and then the pot to ensure it is a good fit.