- Why isn't my Phalaenopsis flowering?
- Does my Phalaenopsis now need special care?
- Can I encourage my Phalaenopsis to flower?
The butterfly orchid (bot. Phalaenopsis) is now one of the most popular exotic houseplants in German households. No other orchid can be found there so often. As a rule, she delights the owner with her flowering splendor for many weeks.
The Phalaenopsis only needs a little water during the flowering period
Why isn't my Phalaenopsis flowering?
After about four months of flowering, the last flowers of the Phalaenopsis wither and fall off. Not flowering for a few weeks or months is completely normal and absolutely nothing to worry about, even if the dormant period is becoming shorter and shorter with the new hybrid varieties. Sometimes, however, an unfavorable location, for example with cool drafts, is behind the lack of flowering.
Be sure to let your Phalaenopsis rest for a few weeks after flowering. As long as the plant looks healthy and the leaves look green and fleshy, you're fine. Otherwise you should examine your orchid for diseases and pest infestations. Both can prevent re-flowering.
Does my Phalaenopsis now need special care?
Adapt the care after flowering to the changed situation, your Phalaenopsis now needs less water and no fertilizer for the time being. Make sure, however, that the leaves are not hanging limp. If this happens, you probably haven't watered the plant enough.
Can I encourage my Phalaenopsis to flower?
Without the necessary dormant period, your Phalaenopsis is unlikely to bloom again. So the first thing you need is your patience. However, if the orchid does not bloom for too long, you can stimulate the orchid to bloom again by lowering the night temperatures. For a period of five to six weeks, reduce the temperature to around 14°C to 16°C at night.
The essentials in brief:
- longer flowering break is normal (several weeks to months)
- do not fertilize during the dormant phase and water only a little
- reduce the temperature slightly
- be sure to rest for at least 4 to 5 weeks
- Don't change location unnecessarily
tips
If your Phalaenopsis does not want to bloom for a very long time, then diseases and pests can be behind it, but also an unfavorable location or care mistakes.