Is it possible to get orchids to bloom more than once at home? Try following this expert advice

It's well known that orchids are very popular due to their spectacular beauty. That said, it can be challenging to get them to bloom again after their first flowering.

If your orchids do not produce new blooms in the springtime, then perhaps you are doing something wrong.

To ensure your orchids bloom, follow these simple tips:

Light and temperature: two fundamental factors

James Johnstone from Ecclefechan, Scotland/Wikimedia Commons

The Phalenopsis orchid is the most commonly found orchid in homes and this plant produces flowers that last quite a long time. But to get them to bloom again, bare the following factors in mind:

• Temperature: like all plants, orchids also have an ideal temperature range. In the case of Phalenopsis, this is between 15 and 23 degrees C. To encourage blooming, expose your orchids to a temperature range of around 10 degrees of difference between day and night. To this end, you can move your orchids outside during the night, but only if the external temperature does not drop below 10 degrees C. Where this is not possible, move your orchids to an unheated area of your home;
• Light: another fundamental factor for the well-being of orchids is exposure to sunlight; orchids require a sunny location, but must be kept out of direct sunlight (which could burn their delicate petals). The ideal location would be to place your orchid next to a window which is covered with a lightweight curtain.

Other fundamental factors to consider to get your orchids to flower

Pexels

Light and temperature are not the only variables that can impact your orchid's ability to flower:

• Fertilizing: a fertilizer is essential to ensure your orchids have all the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and flowering; starting from spring, fertilize your orchid every 2 weeks with orchid-specific fertilizer which is added to the irrigation water; alternatively, you can use a supplement which is inserted directly into the soil and will release nutrients gradually;
• Location: location is also important in determining your orchid's ability to bloom again; make sure you place your orchids in robust, transparent pots and move them around to ensure they benefit from optimal lighting conditions.

By taking these steps, your orchids will flower regularly.