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Dressing up Resting Orchids

November 14, 2012

resting orchidEven the most dependable orchids sometimes take a rest from blooming. When your Phalaenopsis orchid is between flowering periods, don’t despair. With just a few simple additions and ideas, what was once an empty-looking pot can become a work of art in itself.

What can you do?

  • Shine the leaves. If your orchid’s leaves have played second-fiddle to the flowers, now’s the time to give them the spotlight. Glossing the leaves with a skim milk-soaked paper towel will enhance their look and repel pests.
  • Highlight the stems. Even empty of flowers, your orchid’s stems are a piece of natural beauty. A phalaenopsis stem, with its bending and twisting side-shoots, can be a great foundation for artistic expression. Aim colorful lights toward the stem, or hang lightweight ribbon from them to draw attention away from the fact that no flowers are visible.
  • Add decorative picks/branches. Take eyes off of the resting orchid by adding decorative picks or branches to focus on. Push them into the soil, being careful to avoid disturbing your plant’s roots.
  • Prepare for your next blooms. The period between flowerings is a good time to consider repotting or to check your soil and plant nutrients to ensure your orchid is getting the nutrition it needs.

Fortunately, Just Add Ice orchids can maintain their hydration on just three ice cubes a week! Keep up the schedule even between flowerings.

You can also visit the helpful forum to ask questions and get tips on how to enhance your orchid care so the flowers continue for years to come.