Orchid buds

Orchids are not only magnificent flowers but also true creations of nature that require careful care. One of the unique features of orchids is their dormant buds, which play an important role in their further development and flowering. In this article, we will discuss how to wake up dormant buds in orchids to achieve new flower spikes and keikis, and also explore how to use special stimulants to activate growth.

What are orchid buds and where to find them?

Orchid buds can be found in several places: on flower spikes and on roots. Most often, orchid owners notice dormant buds on the flower spike, which look like small swellings located along the length of the stem. These buds can give rise to new shoots, flower spikes, or keikis. To understand what orchid buds look like, simply examine the flower spike closely: you can find small, slightly swollen areas — these are the orchid flower buds.

Phalaenopsis orchid buds are often located on the flower spikes, but their location is not always easy to determine. It is important to understand where the dormant bud is on an orchid and what a dormant bud looks like: it may be covered by a scale that protects it from external influences. Such buds can remain dormant for a long time until conditions become favorable for awakening.

How to wake up orchid buds?

If you want your orchid to produce buds, it is important to create comfortable conditions for the plant. One of the key factors is maintaining the proper temperature regime and humidity level. Awakening a bud on an orchid flower spike can be stimulated with the help of special products, such as orchid bud activation paste. This paste is often applied to the bud to speed up its development and stimulate the formation of new shoots or flowers.

Before waking up a bud on an orchid flower spike, make sure the bud is healthy and undamaged. If buds appear on the orchid, this is a good sign that the plant is in favorable conditions. To awaken dormant buds, you can use bud activation ointment for orchids, which helps to activate growth. Some gardeners prefer to apply paste to orchid buds using cytokinin paste, which is considered one of the most effective means for awakening buds.

Awakening dormant buds: tips and recommendations

Awakening dormant buds on an orchid involves creating the right growing conditions, applying special growth stimulators, and ensuring proper care. This process helps orchids develop new flower spikes, keikis (baby plants), or side shoots.

1. Creating the right conditions for bud awakening

1.1. Lighting

• Light: provide bright, indirect light (east- or west-facing windows).
• Supplemental lighting: use grow lights during winter to extend daylight to 12–14 hours.

1.2. Temperature

• Daytime: +22…+25°c (72–77°f)
• Nighttime: +16…+18°c (60–65°f)
• Temperature difference: a difference of 4–6°c (7–10°f) between day and night stimulates flowering and bud activation.

1.3. Watering

• Water the orchid only when the substrate is completely dry.
• Method: soak the pot in warm water for 10–15 minutes.

1.4. Humidity

• Optimal level: 60–80% humidity.
• Use a humidifier or place the orchid on a water-filled tray with pebbles to maintain humidity.

2. Using stimulants for bud activation

2.1. Cytokinin paste (hormonal stimulator)

How to use:

• Identify a dormant bud on the flower spike.
• Remove the protective scale from the bud using tweezers.
• Apply a small amount (2–3 mm) of the paste to the bud.
• Results: new growth should appear within 1–3 weeks.

Important: treat no more than 2–3 buds on one flower spike to avoid overloading the orchid.

2.2. Succinate acid (natural root stimulator)

Solution:

• 1 tablet (0.5 g) dissolved in 1 liter of water.

Application:

• Spray leaves and roots every 2 weeks.
• Water the orchid with the solution.

Effect:

• Stimulates root growth and dormant bud activation.

2.3. Fertilizers with high phosphorus and potassium content

Formula: npk 10:20:20 or 4:6:6.

How to apply:

• Feed the orchid once every 2–3 weeks during active growth (spring-summer).
• Water first, then apply fertilizer to avoid root burns.

Effect:

• Phosphorus and potassium boost flower bud development and blooming.

3. Bud massage (mechanical stimulation)

This method works for dormant buds on flower spikes:

• Remove the protective scale covering the bud using tweezers.
• Gently massage the bud with a toothpick or cotton swab.
• Moisturize the bud with water containing succinic acid or a plant growth hormone once a week.

4. Pruning the old flower spike

• If the flower spike has withered completely, cut it off at the base.
• If the spike is still green but not flowering:
  • Cut it 2–3 cm (1 inch) above the dormant bud.
  • This will help stimulate side shoots and new buds.

5. Orchid repotting

If the orchid’s roots are overgrown or the substrate is depleted, consider repotting:

• Use fresh orchid bark substrate with sphagnum moss.
• Ensure the pot has good drainage holes.

6. When to expect results?

• Bud awakening: 2–4 weeks after stimulation.
• New shoots or keikis: 1–3 months, depending on the orchid type and conditions.

Common mistakes to avoid:

❌ overwatering: this can cause root rot.
❌ excessive fertilizing: overfeeding can burn the roots.
❌ lack of light: orchids won’t activate buds without bright light.
❌ incorrect use of stimulants: follow recommended doses and usage intervals.

Problems with orchid buds

Sometimes, you may notice that buds on orchid flower spikes turn yellow or die. Why do buds on orchid flower spikes turn yellow? The main reasons may be a lack of moisture, improper watering, or unsuitable growing conditions. If orchid buds die, it is important to reconsider the care and pay attention to the plant's conditions.

If the tip with buds on the orchid breaks off, do not despair. The plant can still produce new shoots if provided with proper care and suitable conditions for recovery. It is important to continue taking care of the orchid by maintaining optimal conditions for growth.

Propagation of orchids by buds

Propagation of orchids by buds is one of the most popular ways to obtain new plants. If a bud appears on the orchid flower spike, it can be stimulated to develop, eventually producing a keiki from an orchid bud. This method allows you to grow an orchid from a bud and obtain new healthy plants.

To propagate an orchid by buds, it is enough to wait until the orchid bud awakens, and then begin active care. Often, special growth stimulants are used for this so that the bud develops faster and gives rise to a new plant. Growing orchids from buds is a fascinating process that requires patience and attention, but in the end, you will get a new, beautiful plant.

Conclusion

Orchid flower spike and dormant buds are key elements that determine the further development and flowering of the plant. To make your orchid delight you with its blooms, it is important to know how to wake up orchid buds and what means to use for their activation. What to do with an orchid bud is a question often asked by novice growers. The answer is simple: create comfortable conditions, use stimulants such as orchid bud activation paste, and closely monitor the condition of the plant.

When orchid buds swell or the buds have swollen, it means that the plant is preparing for a new stage of development, and your care is yielding results. Help your orchids unlock their potential, and they will surely reward you with magnificent blooms and new shoots.