Orchids are delicate and beautiful flowers that can last for months if tended well. However, once they have bloomed, there are a few things you need to do to keep them looking their best. This blog post will discuss the proper ways to take care of your orchids after they have bloomed.
We will cover everything from watering to fertilizing to light requirements. Follow these simple steps, and your orchids will stay healthy and beautiful for months!
What are orchids, and why are they so popular?
Orchids are flowering plants that are prized for their beautiful blooms. There are over 25,000 known species of orchids, making them one of the most prominent families of plants in the world. You find orchids in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe, and they come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
While they are often associated with luxury and wealth, orchids are easy to care for and are found in many homes and gardens. Besides their extraordinary beauty, orchids are also known for their long-lasting flowers. Some orchid blooms can last for months, and many varieties will bloom multiple times per year.
Where to Buy An Orchid
- Etsy
- Home Depot
- Local grocery store
- Local nursery
- Amazon
How to Make your Orchid Keep Blooming
The care you provide for your orchid after it blooms is the same as you give it all year. The only variation is how the spent flower stem is handled. If the orchid flower stems are still green, they may still produce flowers.
A Phalaenopsis orchid that has finished flowering may develop a second or third bloom. If the stem is healthy and still green, with no signs of decay, should you do this? If the stem has become brown or softened, cut it off at the base with a sterile instrument.
The plant’s energy is redirected to the roots due to this. After blooming, prune down healthy stems of Phalaenopsis orchids to the second or third node. The growing node may cause a bloom as a result of this.
Collectors and producers advocate removing only a portion of the stem after the blooms have faded. The American Orchid Society recommends applying cinnamon powder or even melted wax to seal the wound and avoid infection with orchids after flowering.
Allow the soil to dry between the waterings, but never fully dry out your orchid. After the orchid blooms, it may be necessary to report it.
Primary care for orchids after blooming includes:
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Light
Depending on the species of orchid, the amount of light required varies significantly, ranging from high to medium to low. For example, moth orchids prefer a moderate amount of light.
You can also use a fluorescent lamp to grow the orchid. It will warn you if you give your plant too much (or too little) light. When the light is too low, leaves turn greener, but they may turn yellow or bleached-looking when the light is too high. If you find brown or black patches on your plant, it’s likely to burn and has to be transferred to a less-lit place.
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Temperature and Humidity
Orchid temperature preferences, like light, range from low to high, depending on the species. On the other hand, Moth orchids thrive in the normal room temperatures that most houseplants require. The majority of orchids prefer humid conditions.
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Water
Overwatering is the leading cause of orchid death, so if in doubt, wait until the top couple of inches (5 cm.) of potting mix feel dry to the touch before watering. Allow the orchid to drain completely after watering it in the sink until the water flows through the drainage hole. When blossoming stops, reduce watering, then resume regular watering when new leaves appear.
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Fertilizing
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to feed orchids once a month. Use a fertilizer developed specifically for orchids instead. Fertilizer application should be reduced after blooming ceases and resumed when new growth develops, just like water.
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Repotting
Every couple of years, we repot orchids into a new potting mix. Avoid using standard potting soil and instead, use an orchid-specific potting mix.
Orchid Myths Busted
While there is a widespread myth that orchids are difficult to care for, they require little more effort than the ordinary houseplant.
After choosing the orchid plant (and pot!) that best suits your space, orchids should be kept in a dry place with plenty of sunlight and adequate air circulation. Water the plant and adequately drain the pot daily. Once they’ve decided on an orchid plant, many people choose a particular soil to help it establish healthy roots.
Another common orchid myth is that you can hydrate a potted orchid plant with ice. It is so popular that some orchid vendors even provide online reminders to freeze your orchids on time!
This myth has been debunked; one of the most prevalent reasons for employing this strategy is to avoid over-watering and enable the orchid to absorb chilly water, which will cause it to blossom. While it’s correct that orchids require consistent watering, an ice cube isn’t always the best way to do so.
Attempting to stimulate blooming with ice cubes or other means may stress the orchid, causing it to die. It’s critical to stay watchful and check your plant daily. It does not imply that orchids need to be watered daily.
How to propagate an orchid plant with Keiki Cloning Paste?
Let’s discuss how to propagate an orchid plant using Keiki Cloning Paste. This type of paste is specifically designed for orchids, and it’s a great way to create new plants without worrying about damaging the roots.
The term Keiki (kay-key), which translates to “baby” in Hawaiian, is used for a developing plantlet on a mother orchid. These plantlets might develop naturally, and plant hormones may encourage them.
Hormones might not always cause keikis, and even if they do, it’s okay. For example, flowers rather than a Keiki are sometimes produced by an orchid when using hormones–and that’s also all right.
To propagate orchids with Keiki paste, choose the node nearest to the orchid’s base for optimal results and cut a tiny incision on a node or prominent bump on the orchid blossom stalk with a sterile blade, and apply the Keiki paste. Then, using a Q-tip, spread a tiny amount of Keiki paste over the node.
Then, wait a few weeks, and you’ll be able to tell whether your orchid has been propagated or if you’ve gotten a Keiki.
Have you ever propagated an orchid plant using Keiki Cloning Paste? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
The Benefits of Having an Orchid in Your Home
Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants, and it’s easy to see why. These beautiful flowers add a touch of elegance to any home, and they come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. But orchids are more than just ornamental plants; they also offer several benefits for your health and well-being.
For example, orchids can help purify the air in your home and improve the quality of your sleep. They can also boost your mood and reduce stress levels. So if you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and beneficial, an orchid is a perfect choice.
Orchid FAQS
Q: How often should I water my orchid?
A: Water your orchid about once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to use lukewarm water and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Q: What type of potting mix should I use for my orchid?
A: Look for a potting mix that is light and airy, such as bark chips or cork granules. Avoid using heavy potting soil, which can drown the roots of your orchid.
Q: How often should I fertilize my orchid?
A: Fertilize your orchid about once a month using a water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as too much fertilizer can damage the roots of your orchid.