How to Care for an Orchid Once the Blooms Fade

Remove the stem once one fading bloom remains on the end so that the plant can put its energy into producing another flowering stem. Cut the stem with one blossom at about 1/2 inch from the base of the plant and allow it to dry up on its own. Do not attempt to remove the old stem, as this may damage the plant roots and/or remaining stem.

Expose your orchid to a temperature difference of at least 10 degrees between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Orchids need this temperature difference to initiate flower production. If your household temperature remains relatively constant, place your orchid near a cracked window or beneath a fan in the evenings to increase air circulation and cool it down.

Fertilize your orchid using a weak orchid fertilizing solution. Regular fertilizing increases the chances that your plant will blossom again. It's highly unlikely that a household orchid will blossom without additional fertilizer or enriched soil. Orchids should be fertilized two to three times per month during the summer months and one to two times per month during the winter months.

Monitor the amount of light your orchid receives. Plants will produce dark reddish pigmentation on the leaves if they are getting too much light, and the leaves will become floppy if the plant isn't getting enough light. Ideally, leaves that are light green in color indicate the plant is receiving enough light and optimal conditions to produce blossoms.