Orchids are dramatic houseplants that produce beautiful, long-lasting flowers. The display can last for several weeks – even months. But once blooms have faded, growers are eager for a repeat performance.
How often orchids bloom is affected by the individual species, the standard of orchid care, and the growing environment.
This article delves into the bloom rate of different types of orchids, and how to encourage orchids to flower more frequently.
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How Often Do Orchids Bloom?
Most orchids bloom at least every 8-12 months. However, some species flower more frequently. The following orchid species bloom the most often:
- Phalaenopsis orchids – or moth orchids – are the most popular houseplant type. They are easy to grow and can easily be encouraged to bloom twice a year. Their flowers last for up to three months.
- Dendrobium orchids are also commonly found as houseplants. They are prolific bloomers and often flower two or more times per year.
- Vanda orchids have showy flowers that last up to three months. Some types only bloom once a year, while others can bloom multiple times.
- Cattleya orchids are available in many hybrid variants. Their flowers are frequently bicolored and often appear more than once a year.
- Oncidium orchids are a genus of around 300 species, many of which bloom twice a year. Oncidium flowers resemble dancing ladies.
- Miltonia orchids are known as pansy orchids, as their flowers resemble those of pansies. They often reliably bloom twice per year.
In general, hybrids created by orchid breeders are more likely to bloom more than once a year.
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How Can I Make an Orchid Bloom More Often?
With good care, you can make an orchid rebloom more frequently than it would naturally. Provide the best conditions for your orchid, and you will likely get multiple bloom periods per year.
Different species might have slightly different needs, but in general, orchids grow and bloom best with:
- A special, non-soil orchid potting medium that drains water very quickly.
- Orchid light requirements make a big difference. Plants usually thrive in bright but indirect light, preferably from an eastern or southern window.
- Plenty of space to allow for airflow.
- The issue of how to water orchids – and more pertinently how often to water orchids – trips up many inexperienced growers. Aim for a frequency of approximately once per week in winter and twice per week in summer or warmer conditions.
- Orchids require moderate humidity in order to flower.
- Orchid fertilizing is essential for a regular show of flowers. Aim for every couple of weeks.
Bear in mind that getting an orchid to rebloom requires a period of rest and dormancy. Learn how to prune orchids correctly, and when your plant has finished blooming, snip off the flower spike. You should reduce water and fertilizer application to allow the plant to rest. During this time, it will strengthen its roots and prepare to rebloom.
Start providing regular care again when you see a new leaf appearing. When this new leaf has grown to full size, your orchid is probably ready to bloom again. You can speed up the process by moving the pot to a slightly cooler location at night. This temperature drop often nudges an orchid into bloom.
Be patient, provide your orchid with everything it needs, and you’ll have new flowers before you know it.
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Why Is My Orchid Not Blooming?
One of the most common reasons an orchid fails to rebloom is inadequate light. Provide your plant with strong, indirect light.
Bright green leaves usually indicate an orchid is getting enough light. If the leaves grow darker in color, this could indicate they are not getting enough light.
Another reason orchids do not bloom is a lack of nutrients. Many orchid experts prefer to feed their plants weekly with diluted fertilizer (about half strength). Use a balanced product or one advertised to increase blooms.
It’s easy to overwater an orchid, which can also be a cause of delayed blooming. Overwatering can even kill your orchid. Avoid watering your orchid until it has dried out. Then, let water run all the way through the roots and drain out again.
Also make sure your orchid is growing in the appropriate medium, which allows water to drain away very quickly, and choose orchid containers with good drainage.
