At the end of the flowering period, orchids give off a rather inconspicuous picture with empty flower stalks and green leaves. Unfortunately, the exotic flowers therefore end up in the compost much too quickly. With loving care, orchids can be motivated to another blossom festival. You can find out here how to water, fertilize and cut the plants correctly after flowering.
After flowering is before flowering
This care program initiates the next bloom
When the flowering period comes to an end, a more or less long dormant phase begins. Depending on the type of orchid, this can last from a few days to a few months. So that the tired orchid regenerates quickly, this care gives it new strength:
- Place non-blooming orchids in a light location that is 3 to 5 degrees cooler
- Water more sparingly or dive less often
- Spray with soft water every 1 to 2 days
- Do not fertilize until the beginning of a fresh shoot
In particular, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Cattleya respond positively to a slight drop in temperature after flowering. Keep an eye on the flower stalks and leaves during this time. As long as the parts of the plant are still green and thriving, they must not be cut off. The scissors are only used when a shoot or the foliage has completely died.
tips
After flowering, the ideal time window opens to repot an orchid. If the transparent culture pot is so narrow that the roots grow over the edge, a larger container with fresh substrate makes sense. On this occasion, dried aerial roots and dead bulbs can be cut off without worry.