Get notified every time a new article comes out and
keep up with the latest plant care or plant trend.
After enjoying months of beautiful blooms, it is not surprising that Phalaenopsis owners become upset and worry that their orchid is dying when flowers and buds begin to dry out, turn brown and fall off the plant. When the plant’s spike shrivels and turns brown and the orchid’s once glossy leaves dull and flatten, disappointed orchid owners often assume that their orchid has died and throw out what is actually a perfectly healthy plant. Your orchid may look dead; but with proper orchid care, it will bloom again and may continue to bloom for several more years. You just have to have faith and patience!
Like other flowers, Phalaenopsis orchids go through an annual cycle of growth, bloom, rest and “rebirth” as the cycle begins anew each year. New Phalaenopsis orchid owners frequently mistake the start of the plant’s dormant stage for death. Part of the orchid’s normal life cycle, dormancy is the plant’s natural resting period. During dormancy, Phalaenopsis orchids put their energy into strengthening their root systems, growing leaves, rebuilding energy stores depleted by blooming, and stockpiling nutrients for the next growth and bloom period.
The life cycle of a well-tended Phalaenopsis orchid is typically eight to 12 months with blooming periods averaging two to three months, although some Phalaenopsis owners have reported blooming periods extending to five or six months and occasionally longer! With proper care, Phalaenopsis hybrids can continue blooming for four seasons, sometimes more.
Look for the following signs, which indicate that your Phalaenopsis orchid is entering its resting phase:
Once you’re orchid enters its dormant phase, download our FREE guide to learn How to Trigger Reblooming!
