After the beautiful blooms of your orchids fade, it’s essential to know how to care for them to ensure their continued health and the possibility of future flowering. Here are three easy options for what to do with orchids after blooming:
1. Pruning and Trimming:
- Once the flowers have wilted and fallen off, trim the flower spike down to just above a node using sterile scissors or pruning shears. This encourages the plant to redirect its energy into growing new leaves and roots rather than producing more flowers on the old spike.
2. Repotting:
- If your orchid has outgrown its current pot or if the potting medium has broken down, consider repotting it after it has finished blooming. Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining orchid mix. Carefully remove the orchid from its current pot, trim any dead or rotting roots, and repot it in the new container with fresh medium.
3. Provide Proper Care:
- After blooming, orchids enter a period of rest before potentially blooming again. During this time, continue to provide your orchid with proper care. This includes watering it when the top inch of the potting medium feels dry, providing adequate humidity, and fertilizing it lightly every few weeks with a balanced orchid fertilizer.
By following these easy options, you can ensure that your orchids remain healthy and have the best chance of reblooming in the future. Remember to monitor your orchid closely and adjust its care as needed based on its specific requirements and condition.
