When Orchid Flowers Die How Long Before They Bloom Again?

Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid

• The Phalaenopsis orchid has been bred as a house plant since early in the 19th century. It is the most popular and most widely available orchid on the market. A wonderful attribute of the phal is that it is also a great bloomer, going for at least two to three months and often longer. Because it puts on such a showy, long display, it must recover quite a while---seven to 10 months---before sending up another bloom spike.

Oncidium Orchid

• The Oncidium orchid, also known as the dancing lady orchid, blooms for less time than the Phalaenopsis and can bounce back quicker. Blooming for just six to eight weeks, the Oncidium can build up the energy to rebloom in six or seven months if provided the right environment and plant food.

Slipper Orchids

• Tropical slipper orchids are the most mercurial in their reblooming habit. Some will rebloom within six to nine months. Some will rebloom every other year. It seems that some will rebloom whenever they feel like it and not a minute sooner. A healthy, content plant will rebloom sooner and put out more blossoms per cycle than an unhappy one. It helps if you provide proper light, moisture, nutrition, and potting mix.