How Can I Make My Just Add Ice Orchid Rebloom?

One of the joys of owning Just Add Ice Orchids is their long bloom period. These particularly hardy orchids often put forth beautiful displays that can last for as long as four months. Eventually, though, the final blossom falls and all that remains is a bare stem. Don’t be fooled into thinking your plant is dead. Your Just Add Ice Orchid isn’t ready to quit yet! With a little tender loving care, you can usually coax Just Add Ice Orchids to rebloom about 6 to 8 weeks after the first bloom cycle ends.

Because much of the plant’s energy will have been depleted by the original display, the second bloom cycle will not last as long as the first and flowers will also be smaller. When this second display ends, your orchid plant must be allowed to rest and rebuild its energy until it blooms again.

To encourage your Just Add Ice Orchid to rebloom, after the final blossom has dropped, count up from the soil surface and cut off the orchid stem one inch above the second bract. Bracts are the paper-like coverings that circle the orchid’s stem. Spaced every few inches along the stem, they protect the nodes from which new growth will emerge.

After you have cut off the stem, place your orchid plant where it will receive plenty of soft, filtered light. Orchids are temperature sensitive. Just Add Ice Orchids thrive at normal room temperatures but require a cooler temperature at night. Continue watering your orchid with 3 ice cubes every week. To help your orchid regain strength for a second bloom, once a week apply 1/8 to 1/4 cup (depending on pot and orchid size) of 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength.

With good care and a little patience, your Just Add Ice Orchid should bloom again in 6 to 8 weeks.

Photo by: The Wandering Angel