Receiving an orchid as a gift is not only a sophisticated surprise for when a plant lover is celebrating; it’s also a long lasting gift. Orchids rebloom numerous times over their lifespan if the conditions are kept just right and while these glorious plants seem delicate and intricate, it only takes a few steps to get them re-flowering.
These are our best tips for making sure your orchids rebloom:
Keep the plant in transparent plastic pot
Keeping orchid roots in a transparent pot or container is something many people overlook but it is an important step to take. There’s a few reasons for this.
Firstly the plastic pot makes it easier to inspect the roots for overcrowding, pests and to check their general health. The main reason however, is the transparent pot allows the roots access to sunlight so they get the nourishment they need. The plastic pot can still be placed inside a bigger decorative pot to make the plant look extra beautiful.
Use bark chips instead of soil
Orchids tend to grow in the wild in swampy tropical forested areas. It’s best to try and keep the plant in a medium that replicates these conditions. Bark chips don’t trap the same amount of water as regular potting soil and with the added that they still absorb a lot of moisture that the roots need. Their loose nature also gives the roots the space they need to flourish.
Immerse the plant in water to give it a drink
If you water orchids with a watering can like other plants it’s very easy to over or underwater the roots. Orchids roots need watering all over and only when they’ve suitably dried out from their last drink. Just like the tropical rainstorms they’re used to which give the ground a comprehensive soaking. Broadly speaking, you should submerge the plant about once a week (a little more or a little less depending on the season and how dry it is).
Always drain the excess water
This is crucial. Orchids need just enough water to soak the growing medium but shouldn’t remain submerged after. Make sure as much of the excess water drains out the pot as possible so that they aren’t standing in water after their drenching.
Trim the stem back to the third eye after the flowers fall
Once your orchids have dazzled you with their flowers and they’ve fallen naturally, it’s time to do a bit of pruning. To ensure the plant keeps growing it’s important to make sure it doesn’t waste energy on spent branches so giving a little trim allows it to start the process of flowering anew. To make sure you don’t cut it back too far, check the ‘eyes’ (small round notches on the stem) and cut the stems at the third ‘eye’ from the bottom.
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to enjoy orchids long term. If you follow these tips, you should be able to enjoy your orchid for months after. Remember, if you’re sending orchids to someone special as a surprise be sure to share this post with them so they can enjoy orchids for longer.
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