When Do Orchids Rebloom? (And Other Common Reblooming Questions)

Your orchid has dropped its blooms, and although you’ve worked hard to keep your plant healthy and strong, you worry that those beautiful blooms will never come back. Well, we've got some good news: Your orchid may start blooming again really soon.

For this post, we're doing a roundup of the most commonly-asked questions about the blooming cycle, including how to ensure those blooms return:

When Do Orchids Usually Rebloom?

If your orchid stops producing flowers, it’s probably not dead. Most likely, it has entered the vegetative stage, which will last from six to nine months.

Here's the good news: Fall is the best time for your orchid to rebloom naturally. The cooler temperatures can trigger the regrowth process, and with a little TLC, you can ensure your orchid is the belle of Fall.

What Should I Do When My Orchid Enters the Vegetative Cycle?

During the vegetative stage, your plant will needs rest in order to gain the energy it needs to rebloom. Here are a few things you can do to help it along:

1. Feed your plant. Two weeks after the last bloom drops, begin fertilizing it every other week with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20, mixed at a quarter strength. That two-week wait period is important to avoid burning your plant's roots! While the above fertilizer is easiest for beginners, there are orchid-specific fertilizers on the market as well.

2. Keep it hydrated, but not too much. Water your orchid as usual except the weeks that you fertilize.

3. Trim your orchid's spikes. This is one of the best and easiest ways to encourage regrowth. Here's how.

4. Avoid placing it near vents. While we love the heat on those chilly fall evenings, the dry air can dehydrate and damage our plants.

Will Moving It Help It Rebloom?

It depends. As long as your plant doesn't have buds, you can move your orchid to a cooler environment, such as the front porch. 

If you’re leaving your orchid inside your home, be sure to find a place that’s not drafty and where the nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees.

Once reblooming begins, you can return your plant to its usual location and continue watering with ice once a week. When a new flower spike emerges, avoid moving it to different locations as the changes in light can have a negative impact. 

Pro Tip: Be sure you get the lighting right! Inadequate light is the number one reason orchids refuse to bloom or rebloom. Indirect sunlight is best for orchids.

Watching your orchid bloom (or rebloom) is an exciting time that fills plant parents with pride. It's kind of like watching your child learn to walk. 

Feeling impatient? You're not alone. Some of our customers order new orchids to brighten their living space while they wait for the current one to bloom!