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My Phalaenopsis Orchid Has Stopped Flowering…Is It Dying?

April 12, 2013

orchid stopped floweringMany people who are new to owning orchids are astounded by their amazing beauty. The flowers of a Phalaenopsis orchid look elegant regardless if they are a deep and vibrant fuchsia pink or a hint of color in the blushing pink orchid. The beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid lasts longer than many other types of flowers, but for those who have never owned an orchid, having a once flourishing plant suddenly look empty as it loses its gorgeous flowers can be alarming.

The question is often asked to orchid experts…Did I do something to make the Phalaenopsis orchid lose its flowers or is my orchid dying?

The great news is that in most instances, there is actually nothing wrong with the Phalaenopsis orchid plant that loses its flowers after months of blooming!

What is Actually Happening with Your Orchid

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end…which includes the lovely blooms of an orchid.  The flowering of an orchid will last anywhere from one month to three months depending on a few different factors. After an orchid has finished its flowering cycle, the Phalaenopsis orchid plant will go into a period of dormancy. During the dormancy time, the plant will conserve and build up its energy reserves as it readies itself for the next flowering season.

Once the Phalaenopsis orchid loses its blooms, it is time to give the plant a trim. New orchid buds will never grow on a stem that is brown or yellow so snipping the stem is required to help in the regrowth process. You can also choose to help the re-blooming process of the Phalaenopsis orchid by trimming healthy green stems back to a node, or by removing the entire flower spike one inch from the base of the plant so that important energy is returned to the roots and leaves for a stronger plant base.