The orchid can bloom several times a year, producing long flower stalks studded with exotic buds. During this period, the plant is particularly vulnerable, so it needs special care.
What happens to a plant when it flowers?
Orchids can bloom at any time of the year. All that is required is that certain conditions are met. They can bloom for up to three months, although orchids have been known to bloom for five or even eight months. The flowering process begins with the growth of a long flower stalk that develops for two months. It then develops buds that later blossom.
Differences in care during and after flowering
An orchid needs a certain amount of care during each developmental period.
- When it is just starting to gain strength to develop a flower stalk, special feedings are important to help the flower develop faster.
- The process of watering during flowering and dormancy is different in abundance: as soon as it gets cool in the room, the amount of water is reduced.
- After flowering, the plant needs pruning. It is possible to transplant the room culture only after the end of this period.
What does competent care depend on?
Proper care of an orchid during flowering depends on the observance of certain conditions necessary for the flower. It consists of the following:
- It is necessary to provide a sufficient amount of light.
- Water regularly and abundantly.
- Monitor the humidity of the air in the room.
- Apply foliar feedings.
Transplanting and pruning are not carried out during this period.
How to take care of a flowering plant?
Moving the pot
During the blooming period, the orchid pot should not be moved from place to place, as the change in location will be stressful for the indoor plant. The plant may begin to drop flowers, resulting in a shortened blooming period. It is necessary to choose the right location for the orchid from the beginning.
Watering
Watering plays an important role because the plant needs strength to sustain the flowers. The frequency of watering depends on the type of orchid. The soil in which the Phalaenopsis grows must be constantly moist, and the substrate of the Dendrobium must be completely dry before the next watering. During the flowering period, you can not overdo it with moisture. If there is not enough moisture, the leaves and pseudobulbs will start to shrivel, and excessive moisture will cause yellowing of the leaves and rotting of the root system.
Water the orchid when its roots change color from green to silver. This means that they have dried out. Water the orchid with soft, standing water. The approximate frequency of watering in summer ranges from one to three times a week. In winter, the frequency reaches one or two times in seven days. Watering is done by immersion or from above.
Humidity
The flowering orchid feels comfortable at the natural humidity observed in room conditions. A suitable figure ranges from 40 to 70%.
If the air in the apartment is drier, the plant will stop growing and the flowers will start to fall off. This happens during hot summers or in winter under the influence of central heating batteries. Increase the humidity by placing a container of water next to the flower or a tray with moistened keramsite. Some orchid species can be sprayed, making sure that the moisture does not penetrate into the leaf axils.
Lighting and temperature
The orchid needs good light, because enough light allows it to produce flower stalks regularly. If the light is poor, the leaves begin to lighten, stretch, and turn yellow. The orchid needs diffused light and protection from direct sunlight, which causes burns.
During the summer, the flowering orchid is shaded using curtains, film or plastic. The plant is given a long twelve-hour day of light. If the orchid blooms in winter, it will need additional illumination with fluorescent lamps.
Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums and some other groups like heat because they naturally grow in areas with a tropical climate. They are set at a temperature of 59 to 89,6°F in summer and 59 to 64,4°F in winter.
Feeding
Orchids do not need frequent fertilizers, because they reduce the natural immunity of the plant and provoke the development of unpleasant diseases. During the flowering period, root fertilizers are abandoned altogether, replacing them with foliar fertilizers. You can use special liquid fertilizers for orchids, but the solution is advised to prepare three times less concentrated than indicated in the instructions to the drug.
Pruning
During flowering, of course, the orchid is not trimmed. The flower stalks are removed when the process is finished. Do not rush with the pruning because the orchid may bloom again, releasing new flowers from the buds of the old arrow. Once all the flowers have wilted, give the plant time to stand to make sure there are no new buds.
Tip: It is advisable to trim when the flower stems are completely withered because they are green and supply the rest of the plant with nutrients. Use a sharp knife to cut off the shoot at its base, leaving a short cuttings of three centimeters in length.
Replanting
It is not recommended to transplant the plant during the flowering period. An exception to this is if you have purchased an orchid that is already blooming and find that it is in a substrate consisting only of sphagnum moss.
Carefully transplant it into a pot that is two centimeters larger in diameter, using a suitable substrate for the orchid, either purchased in the store or prepared by yourself. If the production substrate includes bark, the orchid need not be disturbed and the transplanting should be waited until after flowering.
How to prolong flowering and what to do if it does not bloom?
Proper care prolongs the flowering of the orchid. It should not be overwatered, overfed, or flooded.
Proper care will allow the plant to bloom for as long as possible. The orchid’s blooming period can be shortened by disturbing the plant, for example by placing it in a dark place.
The orchid may not bloom because it feels too good and throws all its energy into the development of green mass. Resort to shock therapy: the pot with the culture is moved to a cool room and stop watering. Extreme conditions will provoke the plant to start flowering.
Proper care during flowering will prolong the beautiful process for several months, so that the orchid will enjoy flowers for a long time.
You can buy ready-made orchid arrangement on our website www.vivaorchids.com or by calling 347-210-6993, 561-507-0073.
Our orchids are of the highest quality, which we ourselves select from the best farmers, so these beautiful exotic flowers will delight you with their long blooming and amazing aroma.
Our professional team with years of experience will create a unique arrangement for you, based on your wishes, which will decorate your home and be an unforgettable gift for your loved ones on any occasion. At Viva Orchids of Boca Raton we take our heart and soul into every orchid arrangement, putting our knowledge, skill and love for each of our customers into it.