Orchid: care during flowering

Caring for orchids at home during flowering requires special attention and care. Orchid flowering is one of the most exciting periods in the life of this amazing plant. It is important to properly organize the care to prolong flowering and ensure the health of your pet. In this article, we will cover all the nuances of caring for orchids at home during flowering, as well as tips on repotting and post-flowering care.

Basic rules for orchid care during flowering

Orchid flowering is the result of proper care and favorable conditions. Orchid care during flowering includes several important aspects: light, watering, humidity, fertilizing, and temperature.

Watering

• Moderation: Water the orchid only after the substrate has dried out. During flowering, the plant consumes more water, but overwatering must be avoided.
• Method: Use the immersion method: soak the pot in lukewarm water for 10–15 minutes, then allow excess water to drain completely.
• Water Quality: Use soft, filtered, or distilled water at room temperature.
• Frequency: Watering depends on environmental factors (temperature and humidity), typically 1–2 times per week.

Air Humidity

• Humidity Level: Maintain air humidity at 50–70%.
• Methods: Use a humidifier, a tray with water and pebbles, or mist the air around the plant without wetting the flowers.
• Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent stagnant moisture and fungal diseases.

Lighting

• Bright, Diffused Light: Place the orchid in a location with sufficient light, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent burns.
• Artificial Lighting: In winter, use grow lights to extend daylight hours to 10–12 hours.

Temperature

• Optimal Range: Maintain daytime temperatures between 20–25°C (68–77°F) and nighttime temperatures 3–5°C (5–9°F) lower.
• Avoid Fluctuations: Sudden temperature changes can cause buds or flowers to drop.
• Protect from Drafts: Keep the orchid away from cold air and drafts.

Fertilizing

• Moderate Fertilizer Use: Apply orchid-specific fertilizers at half the recommended dose during flowering.
• Frequency: Fertilize no more than once every 2–3 weeks.
• Composition: Choose fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus to support flowering.

Flower Spike Care

• Support: Use stakes or clips to support long, heavy flower spikes to prevent breakage.
• Remove Wilted Flowers: Gently remove wilted flowers to maintain the plant's appearance.

Stress-Free Environment

• Minimize Movement: Avoid moving the orchid frequently, as it may stress the plant and cause bud drop.
• No Repotting: Do not repot the orchid during flowering unless absolutely necessary.

Regular Monitoring

• Check for Issues: Regularly inspect the leaves, roots, and flowers for pests or diseases.
• Wilted Leaves: Remove only fully dried and easily detachable leaves.

Pest Prevention

• Prevention: Keep the orchid away from infected plants.
• Treatment: If pests such as spider mites or thrips are detected, treat the plant with an orchid-safe insecticide.

End of Flowering

• Pruning the Flower Spike: After the blooms fade, leave the spike until it dries out completely, or cut above the 2nd or 3rd node to encourage new blooms (depending on the orchid type).
• Resting Period: Reduce fertilization and allow the plant to rest after flowering before starting a new cycle.

Orchid care after flowering ends

After the orchid has finished blooming, certain steps must be taken to preserve the plant's health and prepare it for the next flowering. Orchid care in a pot after flowering includes the following stages:

1. Pruning the flower spike. Once the flowers have fallen, the flower spike can be pruned. If it remains green, it can be left as new buds may appear on it. If the spike starts to turn yellow and dry out, it is better to cut it, leaving a small stump about 2-3 cm high.
2. Repotting. Orchid care, repotting, flowering are important aspects for maintaining plant health. Repotting is best done after flowering if the roots have become cramped in the pot or the substrate has lost its properties. Use fresh substrate consisting of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to ensure the roots have access to oxygen and nutrients.
3. Reducing watering. After flowering, the orchid should be watered less frequently, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. This will help the plant transition into a rest phase and gather strength for future flowering.

Repotting orchids and care during flowering

Transplanting an orchid during blooming is generally not recommended, as it can stress the plant and cause flowers and buds to drop. However, certain circumstances may necessitate a transplant even while the plant is in bloom. Here’s when it’s justified, how to transplant properly, and how to care for the orchid during its flowering phase.

When transplanting an orchid during blooming is necessary?

1. Root Rot:
   • If the root system is damaged or rotting, transplanting is essential to save the plant.
2. Decomposed Substrate:
   • Old substrate that has broken down and compacted can restrict airflow to the roots.
3. Pests:
   • If pests like fungus gnats or mites are found in the substrate, transplanting is required.
4. Overcrowded Pot:
   • If roots are growing out of the pot and the plant has outgrown its container, a transplant is needed.

Steps for transplanting an orchid during blooming

1. Prepare Tools and Materials:
   • A new transparent pot with drainage holes.
   • Fresh substrate (pine bark, sphagnum moss, or coconut chips).
   • Sterilized sharp scissors or pruning shears.
   • Activated charcoal or cinnamon for treating cuts.
2. Removing the Orchid:
   • Gently remove the orchid from the pot, taking care not to damage the flower spike.
   • Clean the roots by removing old substrate.
3. Inspect the Roots:
   • Trim any rotten, dry, or damaged roots with sterilized tools.
   • Treat cuts with activated charcoal or cinnamon to prevent infection.
4. Prepare the Flower Spikes:
   • If the flower spike is long and at risk of breaking during transplanting, secure it with a stake.
5. Planting in a New Pot:
   • Place a drainage layer (e.g., clay pebbles or large bark pieces) at the bottom of the pot.
   • Position the orchid so the roots are evenly spread.
   • Fill in with substrate without burying the orchid's base.
6. First Watering:
   • Wait 5–7 days after transplanting before watering to allow cuts on the roots to heal.

Care for an orchid during blooming

1. Watering:
   • Water only when the substrate is dry. Avoid overwatering.
   • Use soft, room-temperature water.
2. Lighting:
   • Place the orchid in bright, indirect light.
   • Protect it from direct sunlight to prevent burns.
3. Humidity:
   • Maintain air humidity at 50–70%.
   • Use a humidifier or a tray with water and pebbles.
4. Temperature:
   • Keep a stable temperature of 20–25°C (68–77°F) during the day and 15–20°C (59–68°F) at night.
   • Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts.
5. Fertilizing:
   • Use fertilizers with low nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium during blooming.
   • Fertilize no more than once every 2–3 weeks.
6. Supporting Flower Spikes:
   • Use stakes or clips to support flower spikes and prevent them from breaking under the weight of the flowers.

How to avoid transplanting during blooming?

• Regularly refresh the substrate every 1.5–2 years.
• Water the orchid correctly to prevent root rot.
• Use transparent pots to monitor root health.
• Inspect the plant for pests and treat promptly when necessary.

Conclusion

Caring for orchids at home during flowering is an important part of successfully growing these beautiful plants. Proper lighting, watering, humidity, fertilizing, and temperature regime will help you enjoy long and abundant flowering. After flowering ends, it is important to care for the orchid properly to prepare it for the next growth and flowering period. Follow our recommendations, and your orchids will delight you with their beautiful flowers for many years.