Orchids are some of the most elegant and rewarding houseplants, known for their exotic blooms and stunning beauty. However, after their flowers fade, many orchid owners are unsure how to care for them. Proper post-bloom care ensures the plant remains healthy and has the best chance of reblooming.
This guide provides in-depth knowledge on how to care for your orchid after blooming, covering everything from pruning and watering to repotting and fertilization.
What Happens to an Orchid After Blooming?
Once an orchid’s flowers fall off, the plant enters a resting phase (also known as dormancy). This is a crucial period where the orchid regains strength for its next bloom cycle.
Here’s what happens during this phase:
The flower spike may turn yellow or brown.
The plant conserves energy by redirecting nutrients to its leaves and roots.
The orchid requires less frequent watering and fertilizer.
New leaves or roots may begin to grow.
How to Care for an Orchid After Blooming
Once your orchid has finished blooming, proper care is essential to encourage a healthy rebloom. Follow these key steps:
Pruning the Flower Spike
After blooming, you need to decide whether to cut back or remove the flower spike. The method depends on the orchid species and its condition:
- For Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids):
If the spike is still green, trim it just above a node (bump on the stem). This may encourage a new flower branch to grow.
If the spike turns brown or yellow, cut it off completely at the base.
- For Other Orchid Types (Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium, etc.):
These varieties naturally shed their spikes, and cutting them early doesn’t promote reblooming. Simply leave them alone or trim any dead parts.
Tip: Always use sterilized scissors or pruning shears to prevent infections.
Adjusting Watering Routine
Orchids enter a resting phase after blooming, meaning they require less frequent watering:
- Water only when the top inch of the potting medium is dry.
- Reduce watering from once a week to every 10-14 days, depending on humidity levels.
- Avoid overwatering, as orchids are prone to root rot.
Pro Tip: Check roots to determine watering needs:
- Silvery-gray roots? The plant needs water.
- Green roots? The moisture level is sufficient.
Providing the Right Light Conditions
Proper lighting is essential for healthy growth after blooming:
- Keep the orchid in bright, indirect light (east- or south-facing windows are ideal).
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- If growing indoors, consider artificial grow lights for consistent exposure.
Quick Reference Table for Light Requirements:
| Orchid Type | Light Needs | Best Placement |
| Phalaenopsis | Low to Medium | East/West window |
| Cattleya | Medium to High | South window |
| Dendrobium | Medium | East window |
| Oncidium | Bright Indirect | South window |
Temperature & Humidity Requirements
During the post-bloom phase, orchids thrive in specific temperature and humidity conditions:
- Daytime temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Nighttime temperature: 55–65°F (13–18°C)
- Humidity levels: 50–70%
How to Maintain Proper Humidity:
- Use a humidity tray (a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water).
- Place a humidifier nearby if the air is too dry.
- Group plants together to create a microclimate of higher humidity.
Fertilizing to Encourage New Growth
After flowering, orchids need balanced fertilization to regain energy:
- Use a weak, balanced fertilizer (such as 20-20-20) once every two weeks.
- During dormancy, reduce fertilization to once a month.
- If new growth appears (leaves or roots), increase feeding frequency slightly.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leaf growth over flowering.
Repotting After Blooming
Orchids don’t need frequent repotting, but post-blooming is a great time to check if repotting is necessary.
When to Repot:
- The potting mix has broken down or looks soggy.
- Roots are overcrowded or growing out of the pot.
- Signs of root rot (mushy, blackened roots).
Steps to Repot an Orchid:
- Remove the plant gently from its pot.
- Trim any damaged or dead roots.
- Use fresh orchid potting mix (bark-based for Phalaenopsis, sphagnum moss for others).
- Place the orchid in a slightly larger pot and firm the mix around the roots.
- Avoid watering for a few days to allow roots to settle.
How to Encourage an Orchid to Rebloom
Once the plant has recovered, you can take steps to stimulate reblooming:
1. Provide a Temperature Drop
A cooler nighttime temperature (around 10°F lower than the daytime temperature) helps trigger blooming. Move the orchid to a cooler room or near a window at night.
2. Increase Light Exposure
If an orchid is healthy but won’t bloom, it may need more light. Gradually expose it to brighter, indirect light to promote flowering.
3. Use a Bloom Booster Fertilizer
Switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as 10-30-20) during the pre-bloom phase to encourage flower spike development.
4. Be Patient
Some orchids bloom once a year, while others bloom multiple times. Proper care ensures long-term flowering success.
Common Orchid Care Mistakes After Blooming
Even experienced growers can make mistakes. Here are common post-blooming errors to avoid:
Overwatering – Leads to root rot and fungal infections.
Not Pruning Properly – Cutting healthy green spikes too soon prevents reblooming.
Ignoring Light Needs – Insufficient light can delay flowering.
Using the Wrong Potting Mix – Standard soil suffocates roots. Always use orchid-specific potting media.
Skipping Fertilization – Lack of nutrients can weaken the plant over time.
Case Study: Successful Orchid Reblooming
Jane’s Phalaenopsis Orchid Journey
Jane, a beginner orchid grower, struggled to get her Phalaenopsis orchid to rebloom after its first flowers fell off. She initially made the mistake of overwatering, which caused root rot.
After following a proper post-blooming care routine (trimming the spike, adjusting watering, and improving light exposure), she successfully stimulated a new flower spike within four months.
Her biggest takeaways? “Patience and proper care make all the difference!”
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Orchid Healthy After Blooming
Caring for an orchid after blooming is essential for long-term plant health and future reblooming success. By following these practical steps—from pruning and watering adjustments to proper lighting and fertilization—you can enjoy beautiful, recurring blooms year after year.
Key Takeaways:
Trim the spike only if necessary based on its condition.
Reduce watering and fertilizer during dormancy.
Ensure proper lighting, humidity, and temperature for healthy growth.
Repot if needed to refresh the potting mix.
Provide a cooler temperature drop to trigger reblooming. With the right care, your orchid will reward you with vibrant flowers season after season.