Your phalaenopsis has faded: what to do next?

Orchids are the most popular indoor flowers that appeared several centuries ago. Their hybrid species can delight with their flowering for a long time and look beautiful during the dormant period.

Flower growers use all possible means to achieve a long period of color for their home “beauties,” but the day comes when the orchid drops its flowers and no longer blooms. What to do when the orchid has faded?

In nature, representatives of the orchid family can produce buds almost all year round, because they are always in comfortable conditions for themselves, but domesticated species are slightly different.

Types of orchids and flowering period:

• Dendrobiums and Cattleyas can bloom 3 times every 12 months, and their arrows live on average 2 weeks.
• The flowering of Miltonia depends on a huge number of factors, so it is difficult to determine when it will stop.
• Cambrias and Cymbidiums delight with their beauty for up to 3 months a year.
• Paphiopedilum and its hybrids can bloom for up to 2 years in a row.
• Phalaenopsis sometimes bear fruit all year round, branching and lengthening the flower stalks.

Plant life cycle

After the orchid has bloomed, a dormant period begins (how many times a year and how long does the orchid bloom?). At this time, growth and metabolic processes slow down. A flower needs rest to gain strength for the next life phase. This is the reason for the need for different care at different periods of life.

Important! One of the most popular types of orchids - phalaenopsis - also needs a period of rest after flowering, but in this variety it is relative due to continuous growth throughout the year.

Read more about how to care for your orchid during and after flowering here.

Should I cut off the peduncle of other popular orchids - table

Photo gallery: blooming orchids of different types

Nuances of home care

Before the buds appear

In the spring, the orchid begins its growing season , at this time there is active growth and activation of the life processes of the flower, the plant grows leaf and root mass, throws out a peduncle, lays a flower bud, and prepares for flowering.

If before the expected flowering the orchid was sick, its roots are poorly developed or the leaves are not healthy, then you should not allow flowering, so as not to weaken the plant even more.

If there are no problems with the health of the roots and leaves, you can safely stimulate flowering, for which you need:

• reduce watering - dry soil will give the orchid an impetus for action, because in its natural environment it blooms after the rainy season;
• provide good lighting, add artificial light if necessary;
• apply fertilizer twice a month;
• maintain a high level of air humidity indoors, often spraying the plant with warm, settled water or placing a container of water nearby;
• maintain a difference in air temperature: at least +23 degrees during the day and at least +18 at night.

You need to start feeding the orchid immediately after it begins active growth and before the first bud opens. Fertilizers in liquid form, due to their ability to be absorbed evenly, are the best option for feeding orchids. Another important criterion for choosing a fertilizer is its acidity - the pH should be 5.5–6.5, since neither the acidity of the substrate nor the alkali content can be increased.

Speaking about fertilizers, it is necessary to say what components should be included in them and why:

• potassium – for the formation of buds, carbohydrate metabolism and improvement of plant immunity;
• nitrogen – activates the growth of green mass of the flower, can inhibit flowering;
• phosphorus – promotes growth and flowering, is responsible for the health of roots;
• boron and magnesium – accelerate vegetation and bud formation;
• iron – stops yellowing and dying of leaves.

We invite you to watch an informative video about basic orchid care before flowering:

After the petals drop

The dormant period begins immediately after the orchid has bloomed - it needs to rest, but caring for it should be no less thorough than during the growing season and flowering.

So, what needs to be done next, how to care for the plant after the flowers have bloomed on it:

1. Reduce the amount of fertilizer by half to avoid re-blooming. It is especially important to do this in winter.
2. Remove dried peduncle. It is necessary to cut it under the base, but only after it has completely dried.
3. Change the substrate or completely transplant the plant into a new pot.
4. During replanting, remove all dry and rotten roots, if any.
5. Resume watering 2 days after transplanting.

Below is an informative video about caring for an orchid after flowering:

in winter

In winter, caring for an orchid with faded flowers differs from caring for it in the warm season:

• watering is done 2 times a month;
• There is no need to apply fertilizers in winter;
• the air temperature should be +15-20 degrees;
• additional lighting is required;
• eliminate drafts, but regularly ventilate the room;
• insulate the flower if it is on the windowsill;
• maintain high air humidity.

We invite you to watch a video about caring for an orchid in winter:

Phalaenopsis has bloomed: what to do next?

After the last flowers fall, the phalaenopsis orchid will need rest to recuperate . Stamb spent a lot of nutrients and made a lot of effort in order to please us with magnificent flowers of bright color.

Now he needs rest , during which the grower needs to help restore the vitality of the flower.

Caring for an orchid after the flowering period consists of the following points:

1. The first should be a period of rest; the trunk is simply placed on a warm and bright windowsill, but protected from direct sunlight. During this period, it is better not to apply fertilizer, but watering should be normal;
2. The second step will be the peduncle. What to do with it is decided by the grower himself;
3. The third step is a thorough inspection of the substrate and roots. Depending on their condition, a decision on transplantation is made.

After this, the orchid is watered and fed, as before flowering; after 3-4 months you can try to stimulate the re-blooming of the trunk . To do this, it is advisable to leave the old peduncle and apply fertilizer regularly.

Advice! During the dormant period, follow the watering schedule and regularly spray the flower with special products. This way he will recover faster and will be ready to delight you with flowers again.

Now let's look at the nuances of care in more detail.

Trimming

One of the main questions is “What to do with the arrow when the orchid has faded?”

Some novice gardeners cut off the peduncle immediately after flowering. So they are trying to stimulate faster growth of new leaves and arrows. I would like to point out right away that this is wrong.

After flowering it is better to leave the shoot ; this is done for the following reasons:

• if the peduncle dries out, do not rush to cut it, throughout the entire time the flower will additionally receive from it the nutrients that it has accumulated;
• if the arrow remains alive and green for six months, then from its dormant buds, by stimulation, you can get either flowers or a baby for reproduction.

But the peduncle will still have to be shortened a little; after 1-2 weeks it is worth cutting off its upper part above the third dormant point. The cut is immediately processed and allowed to dry.

Important! During this period, you should refrain from spraying the plant.

Full pruning is carried out when the shoot has completely dried out and turned yellow-brown. At the same time, 2-3 cm are retreated from the trunk of the plant so as not to accidentally damage it.

To stimulate the orchid to reproduce, it is better to trim the peduncle in the summer. It is in the warm season, with the proper level of humidity, that orchids are most willing to produce babies.

Watering

The phalaenopsis orchid loves water very much, without it it will quickly die. The natural habitat pampers the plant with daily watering of warm, almost hot rains, which wash it and help it receive the necessary amount of nutrients.

Watering phalaenopsis.

At home, after the flowering period, orchids need to reduce the supply of moisture ; watering is reduced in order to give the flower a break. This period lasts about 2-3 weeks, then the normal watering regime with the application of fertilizers is returned.

An important point will be watering not only by immersion, but also a warm shower for the stem . Spraying from a spray bottle with special substances that stimulate leaf growth and strengthen it has a good effect on the orchid.

Transfer

Some gardeners who have recently started caring for orchids may think of replanting the stem immediately after flowering. These are wrong thoughts and you should get rid of them immediately after they arise.

Important! The orchid is replanted every 3-4 years or when the substrate compacts. Another reason for replanting may be rotting of the root system.

Indications for transplantation will be:

• a large number of aerial roots;
• roots that have come out of the drainage holes;
• instability of the trunk in the pot;
• a large amount of green mass.

The dense substrate will need to be replaced with a looser one.

Stages of phalaenopsis transplantation.

Transplantation by transshipment will require a wider pot; you can additionally put a layer of drainage in it. If you need to change the soil and cut off the roots, then it is better not to change the container.

Advice! When replanting, make holes in the walls of the container, this will increase ventilation of the roots and reduce the risk of them rotting.

It is best to replant an orchid after flowering in the spring and summer . Weather conditions and a specially created microclimate will contribute to the speedy rooting of the trunk. Sufficient daylight will also have a positive effect; the grower will not have to additionally illuminate with special lamps.

Fertilizers

When your orchid has rested, it will need strength to green up and push out the next flower stalk. Fertilizers and fertilizers for orchids will help with this . They can be purchased at any flower shop.

For root feeding, experts advise using:

• "Mr. Color" station wagon;
• "Pokon"
• "Kemira-Lux"
• "Bona Forte".

They will promote the growth of leaf plates and help in the formation of buds. Before applying any of the above, it is advisable to water the plant well.

Among foliar applications, it is best to use the “Doctor Folly” orchid aerosol.

Specially selected substances will stimulate the growth and development of orchid flower stalks and prevent chlorosis and drying out of the leaves of the stem.

Advice! During the flowering period, it is not recommended to use an aerosol; contact with flowers causes death.

Stimulating babies

If there are no flowers on the old peduncle, you can try to get a baby. To do this, stimulation is carried out using a special paste . Before this, the stem is prepared for the procedure, the scales are cut off from the dormant bud, and the area is lubricated with the drug for 5-7 days.

After this, they continue to care for the orchid as before, periodically feeding it alternately with root and foliar fertilizers. You should not use them together; this will have a detrimental effect on the condition of the plant.

Stimulating the baby with cytokinin paste.

Is it necessary to prune and replant after flowering?

When and how to prune?

After there are no buds or buds left on the peduncle, it is necessary to prune the orchid, otherwise it will bloom again, which will weaken the plant.

You need to trim the shoot that had flowers at a distance of 1 cm from the base with previously disinfected scissors or a knife and only when it is completely dry. If “dormant” buds have formed on the stem, from which shoots may appear over time, then it is worth trimming the peduncle a little higher.

Sometimes the cut stem turns out to be hollow and water can get into the hole formed during watering. In this case, you need to either water very carefully or cover the hole with beeswax.

Attention! If the leaves turn yellow or darken, they must also be removed.

Below is a visual video of trimming the peduncle after flowering:

How to replant?

After flowering, the orchid needs to replace the substrate ; in addition, it is necessary to carefully inspect and wash the root system of the plant and remove damaged roots. That is why it is better to completely replant the plant.

Should I cut off the flower stem of a phalaenopsis?

Most often, the phalaenopsis orchid flaunts on our windows; it produces 1-2 arrows, completely covered with flowers, which can stay on the peduncle from several weeks to 2-3 months. But the day comes when the last flowers fall on it, and further care will depend on several factors.

Phalaenopsis is the most common orchid on windows

If, after flowering, the flower arrow begins to turn yellow and dry out, then wait for the moment when it dries completely and then cut it off so that a stump of 1–2 cm remains at the trunk. It is better to cover the hollow dry peduncles with garden varnish or beeswax - this will prevent moisture from getting in inside the plant and will not cause rot.

The dry flower shoot is cut off, leaving a stump of 1–2 cm

Sometimes, after the flowers fall, the arrow remains as green as it was, buds or even babies may appear on it again in the future, so whether to cut off such a peduncle or not is a decision for the owner of the flower. In this case, you need to take into account the condition of the plant: if the orchid is young, the rosette of leaves is small, or the leaves have begun to wither and turn yellow, then the peduncle needs to be cut off. In large adult specimens, green leaves can be left or slightly shortened.

When shortening a flower shoot, you need to step back from the dormant bud by 1.5–2 cm and cut off the excess with a knife, pruning shears or sharp scissors, having previously treated the tool with an alcohol solution. The fresh cut is treated with crushed coal.

Shortening the flower arrow to one bud

A green peduncle left after flowering does not guarantee that you will see flowers on it next time. My orchid produced two new peduncles and bloomed on them, while the green peduncle left from the last time remained green, but neither flowers nor children appeared from the dormant buds.

Video: The orchid has bloomed. What to do with the peduncle

Step-by-step instructions on how to care for a faded plant in a pot

• Watering .
  It is necessary to reduce watering only when cold weather sets in, when the air temperature drops. At the same time, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. The rest of the time, the watering regime remains unchanged. Water for irrigation should be melted or settled at room temperature. It is also impossible for it to get into the axils of the leaves.
• Feeding . While in a dormant state, the orchid should rest, and the application of fertilizers will provoke repeated flowering. In order to avoid this, the amount of fertilizer must be reduced and the plant must be fed no more than once a month.
• Substrate and pot . During replanting, it is necessary to replace the soil, rinse and carefully inspect the root system and remove diseased roots if they are found. If the pot has become too small for the orchid and the root system does not fit into it, it should be replaced with a larger container.

• 
  Lighting . The orchid should not be in the shade; it needs light, but direct sunlight must be excluded. If daylight hours are reduced, additional artificial light should be used in the form of a phytolamp located 30 cm from the flower.

• Humidity and temperature . It is necessary to maintain air humidity at 50-80% and temperature +20-23 degrees.
• Transferring the growing site . If the place for the orchid is chosen correctly and it has enough light, then there is no need to move it.

Caring for a Phalaenopsis orchid after purchase

Phalaenopsis orchid photo
In stores, orchids are most often sold in cellophane packages (pictured), which must be removed at home. It is only necessary for transporting the flower, so as not to damage the leaves and buds.

The photo shows a Phalaenopsis orchid after purchase.

After purchasing Phalaenopsis at home, it is first recommended to rinse it in the shower with warm water to wash off all the dirt from transportation and possible insects.

It is best to choose a place for an orchid that is bright, but not sunny. Blooming Phalaenopsis can be placed even deep into the room, where they will feel great and bloom for a long time. Orchids should not be placed in direct sunlight, which can easily burn the leaves and buds.

The air temperature in the room can range from +16 to +32 degrees. The plant is unpretentious in this matter. But orchids love high air humidity, although they can grow well in apartments with central heating. In this case, the miracle flower will need to take a warm shower approximately once every 10-14 days.

Photo of phalaenopsis orchid at home

Attention! A flower that comes into your home (new conditions) has suffered a little stress, so it can quickly drop several buds. There is no need to worry about this. Having adapted to new conditions and with proper care, the orchid will bloom for a long time, releasing new buds.

Possible mistakes

Without taking into account the phases of an orchid's life cycle, you can make a huge number of mistakes that can lead to the cessation of flowering, plant disease, and even its death. How to care for an orchid after it blooms:

1. the use of hormonal drugs to stimulate flowering - as a result, the orchid may get sick or die;
2. abundant watering throughout the year - because of this, rotting of the root system may begin, as well as diseases may develop;
3. improper watering - if you water an orchid from a watering can, moisture will collect and stagnate in the pan, causing the roots to rot;
4. lack of lighting - without light, the orchid will weaken and will not bloom, or may even die (we talked in detail about the reasons for the lack of flowering of an orchid here);
5. Late detected disease leads to the death of the plant.

If you give the orchid maximum attention and provide it with comfortable conditions and proper care, it will grow healthy and regularly delight others with wonderful flowers.

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

Proper watering of Phalaenopsis

The photo shows the correct watering of an orchid.
Watering an orchid largely depends on the pot in which it will grow. For the first time, Phalaenopsis can be left in the flowerpot in which it was sold in the store. However, such pots are not very beautiful, so they are not liked by many gardeners who replant their beauties in special glass or plastic orchid pots. Based on this, recommendations for watering Phalaenopsis are as follows:

1. A plant in a plastic pot with large holes at the bottom is immersed in a container of water at room temperature for 15-20 minutes once every 5-7 days (pictured). Whether Phalaenopsis needs watering can be easily determined by the weight of the pot. If it's light, it's time to water. Soil saturated with water is quite heavy. After the allotted time has passed, the pots are pulled out and placed on a dry tray to drain excess water. There should be no water in the orchid tray. Otherwise, its lower roots will begin to rot.
2. It is recommended to water plants in beautiful glass or ceramic pots from above. The soil will not absorb enough water through the small holes at the bottom. Watering should be done very carefully and not too often. You can make sure that the soil is dry using your finger, pushing it inside the pot, first picking out the top layer of bark. If the bark inside is still wet, it’s too early to water. In a transparent pot, the condition of the substrate can be assessed by its appearance. Dry soil is lighter than wet soil.
3. The Phalaenopsis transplanted into the basket will have to be watered a little more often. In such decorative pots, the bark dries out quickly. Therefore, approximately once every 2-4 days, depending on the air temperature in the room, baskets with orchids are immersed in a container of water.

You will be interested to know: Poinsettia: how to care for it at home, how to prune poinsettia

The main rule of watering orchids is not to overwater them! It is better to overdry them than to overwater them. The fleshy roots of the plant begin to rot from excess moisture, and saving the plant later is quite difficult.

Water for irrigation must be settled and at room temperature. From time to time, it is recommended to pamper the plants with a warm shower to wash away the dust. After this procedure, all leaf axils of the flower must be blotted with a napkin, since the growth point is located in them. You can wash orchids in the shower from spring to autumn. In winter, when the plant is dormant, showering is contraindicated for them.

How to make an orchid rebloom

There are times when it seems like all the optimal conditions have been created for a pet, but it doesn’t want to bloom. First of all, you need to check whether the plant has enough humidity and lighting. In some cases, a little stress helps achieve flowering. To do this, the orchid is placed in a room with poor lighting for 2-3 weeks. For example, on northern window sills. And then it is washed under a warm shower and transferred to a well-lit place. Phalaenopsis feel great and bloom especially profusely on loggias, where they can be moved in the spring with the onset of stable above-zero temperatures.

In any case, if you are caring, attentive and diligent owners of your favorite flowers, then they will delight you with new long-blooming buds.

Transplant instructions with video

Rapid drying of the soil after watering and roots protruding from the lower holes of the pot indicate that it is time to transplant the orchid into a larger container, that is, into a new pot. Most often, this need occurs 3-4 years after purchasing the flower.

You can choose a transparent plastic, glass, clay or ceramic pot for Phalaenopsis. Transparent ones are more convenient because through their walls you can observe the root system of the plant. There must be a hole at the bottom of any pot, and, if possible, more than one. You can also plant an orchid in a basket filled with substrate.

Soil for orchids can be purchased at a flower shop or prepared independently from the following ingredients:

1. Leaf soil. The decomposing leaves will provide natural nutrition.
2. Pine bark or cones. Bark should only be taken from healthy trees. It can also be purchased at a flower shop. It is recommended to disinfect and dry it before use. It will perform the main drainage role. The bark and split scales of the cones can be used for decorative purposes. Brick chips, clay shards and crushed stone can also be used as drainage.
3. Sphagnum moss. With its help, moisture is retained, for which the top layer of soil is covered with moss. It is recommended to change it every 6 months.
4. Charcoal. Necessary for maintaining water balance. It should not be more than 10% in the substrate.

You will be interested to know: 10 best blooming flowers for the home: photo, name, description

When the soil and pots for replanting the orchid are ready, the plant must be carefully removed from the old pot. It should be watered well first. You should not immediately plant Phalaenopsis in a new container. It is necessary to conduct an audit of its roots. Light and hard healthy roots should be left, but blackened and dried ones should be cut off.

The plant should be immersed in the new container at the same level as in the previous pot. The transplanted orchid is not watered. It can be sprayed and removed for 10-15 days in a damp, shaded place.

Mini phalaenopsis orchid after transplantation

With proper care and compliance with all recommendations, within a few months after transplantation, Phalaenopsis will produce a new peduncle.

VIDEO: HOW TO TRANSPLANT AN ORCHID INTO A POT