How to Encourage Your Orchid to Rebloom

With its long arching stems, adorned by exotic flowers, and high above lush tropical foliage, there is no denying the appeal of the orchid plant. Although orchids are relatively easy to care for, one of the problems facing many orchid-lovers is getting your orchid to rebloom. Like other flowering perennials, orchids have periods of dormancy, when the plant is storing up energy for the next round of flowers. While your orchid is dormant, continue to care for it regularly and you should have a new batch of flowers in three to four months.

Ground cinnamon
20/20/20 fertilizer
Misting bottle
Plant shears

Instructions

- 1
  As soon as the last flower drops off your orchid plant, cut the orchid stem half way down the stalk. Sprinkle the cut stem with cinnamon powder to seal and prevent rot.
- 2
  Provide your orchid with plenty of bright, indirect light. Orchids need at least 60 percent light -- about six to eight hours a day.
- 3
  Monitor the temperature of your home. Orchids thrive at 60 to 80 degree F. If your home temperature is too cold, your orchid will not rebloom. Orchids also need a change of temperature in which to bloom. If your orchid is dormant during the winter, come spring, it should show signs of life.
- 4
  Mist your orchid daily. Native to the jungle, orchids thrive on moist air, requiring up to 50 percent humidity.
- 5
  Water your orchid once every week in the winter and twice a week in the summer. Do not let your orchid remain in standing water as it is susceptible to rot.
- 6
  Feed your orchid with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once a month.

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