How Often Do Orchids Bloom?

How Different Orchid Varieties Bloom

• How often orchids bloom is primarily determined by the family the orchid plant belongs to. Some types of orchids bloom all year, or for a period of one or two seasons. Others bloom only once, or for only a few weeks. The majority of common orchids will start to bloom in fall and continue until late in the spring.

Other Factors Affecting Orchid Bloom Frequency

• Orchids bloom most frequently if they are provided with optimal conditions for growth. There are so many varieties available you that you should be able to find a type suited for your particular climate. Orchids afflicted with insects or disease will not be healthy enough to produce frequent blooms. Let your orchids attain full maturity before trying to propagate them, as fully mature orchid plants bloom more frequently and with larger flowers.

Orchid Care

• Many orchids are epiphytes. In nature, epiphytic plants attach to surfaces like rocks or tree trunks. This means that orchids often do not require a soil mix to thrive. Despite this, they still need water and nutrients, which can be supplied by a nutrient mixture formulated for orchids. Orchids do not tolerate over watering well because of their unusual absorption system.They will require abundant amounts of sunlight.

Orchid Bloom Maintenance

• Diligent maintenance of your mature orchid will ensure that the plant continues to produce abundant and frequent blooms. Orchid blossoms are produced on the ends of specialized stems known as "spikes." Once the orchid blossom has run its course, the flower will shrivel and the stem will die. Trimming this dead stem off will prevent your orchid plant from becoming unsightly and will encourage the production of new spikes. Trim the stem off by cutting it at a slight angle with a sharp knife. Try to make this cut as close to the ground as you can.