How to Re-Bloom an Orchid

Don't worry if your orchid bloomed for a few months and then withered away; this is natural with some orchid plants. Encourage your orchid to re-bloom by exposing it to less light and lower temperatures, to simulate winter conditions; this lets the plant store up some energy for a new bloom. Getting the plant to bloom again doesn't take any special equipment, but it does take a few weeks time. Although exact methods to get your orchid to re-bloom will depend upon your specific genus of orchid, there are some basic care guidelines.

Clippers
Cinnamon powder

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the spent, withered flower from the stem, at least halfway down the stem. Only use clean, sharp clippers to make a straight cut.
- 2
  Dip the cut stem into cinnamon powder to seal the stem and limit infection.
- 3
  Move the potted orchid to a cooler, darker location for about two weeks. You'll need the temperature to drop by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 4
  Keep the relative humidity around the plant at about 60 percent, but don't water it for the two weeks. Mist the air near the plant, place it in a steamy bathroom, or position the plant near a bowl of water or other damp plants to increase humidity.
- 5
  Position the plant in a warm location near a south-facing window and water it heavily to jump start the plant growth.
- 6
  Water the plant only when the center part of the soil is dry about 1 inch down. Orchids prefer dry soil between waterings.
- 7
  Apply fertilizer according to the specific needs or your orchid. For example, cattleya orchids need a liquid 25:9:9 fertilizer applied with water once a month.
- 8
  Care for the orchid as normal, and it should re-bloom in about three to four months.

Mokara Orchid Care

How Much Light Do Orchids Need?

Orchids