Orchid care after flowering

Lovers of these wonderful flowering plants know what it feels like to see them bloom. The orchid flower is the fruit of painstaking gardening work that does not consist of specific tasks but, rather, instinct. In finding the right place for them, in giving them the pampering they demand. Therefore, knowing the care of orchids after flowering never hurts. A way to ensure the well-being of our plant so that, when it wishes, it can flourish again.

And we say this because orchids have a reputation for being more capricious plants when grown outside their natural habitat. So much so that, after years without flowering, a simple change of location may be the reason why they do so. So much so that even its flowers can accompany us for more than half a year. Its incredible beauty and elegance are more than enough reasons to ensure that they have everything they need to do so annually.

But in addition, knowing the care of orchids after flowering is vital for those who are new to them. And it is that there are many who believe that, once the flower has disappeared, the plant will not sprout again. And yes it will. It’s just a matter of patience and knowing the care you need.

PRUNING AND TRANSPLANTATION, TWO OF THE CARE OF ORCHIDS AFTER FLOWERING

It is important to understand that, after flowering, orchids enter a period of rest. An essential time for the plant to recover from the wear and tear of flowering. For this reason, orchid care after flowering is crucial. It will depend on them to resprout. And a good part of the health of the plant will also depend on them.

For this reason, we cannot rush. Something that usually happens when, seeing the last flower fall, we choose to cut the floral stem. A small mistake. And it is that, due to the unique nature of these plants, that same rod can suddenly house new shoots. A good reason for us to leave it for a while, until we see how it evolves. If we see that the rod begins to dry, the ideal is that we cut it flush with the leaves.

It is also a matter of patience to wait to transplant our plant. One of the characteristics of this enigmatic botanical family is that it is extremely sensitive to change. Something that we have to contemplate not only as part of the care of orchids after flowering, but of their cultivation in general. For this reason, changing its pot is never a good idea when it is in bloom. And yet, it is a great help once flowering is over. Changing it to a larger container and with a renewed substrate will allow it to grow at root level in its dormant months.

We cannot forget that, except for some species, the orchid demands a specific type of pot for orchids: the transparent pot. And it is only in this way that its roots can receive the amount of light they need to grow. Therefore, if we transplant it, it is important that we do it to one of the same characteristics.

Lighting and irrigation, orchid care after flowering that we cannot forget

Although we believe that, after flowering, the orchid does not need light, nothing could be further from the truth! This botanical family is, in general, a great demander of light. That is why, with or without flowers, we will have to continue with those positive sunbaths for her. Let’s not confuse brightness with direct sunlight. In fact, the latter is harmful to them as it can burn the leaves.

What we cannot ignore is the irrigation pattern that we have with our orchid. We are talking about plants that need to be watered, depending on the conditions of each place, either once a week or every two weeks during the flowering season. With the fall of the flowers, it will be the roots that tell us when the time has come. If they take on a silvery hue, it’s time to submerge them in water again. Be very careful with watering, as it is one of the main reasons why an orchid dies. The dangers of excess irrigation in orchids are, on many occasions, irrecoverable. So it is always better to fall short than to abuse.

FERTILIZER, THE KEY TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE ORCHID

Beyond strictly complying with the care of orchids after flowering, there is one that we cannot ignore. We are talking about fertilizing the plant. To take advantage of this dormant period to fill it with nutrients that, otherwise, the orchid cannot absorb.

Since they live in an inert substrate, only with the application of a fertilizer for orchids will we be able to make them regrow with vigor the next season. In this way we will be able to nourish the plant and protect it from the attack of any pest but, also, achieve the flowering of the orchid quickly.

From the beginning of autumn until the arrival of spring, we will apply a dose on a monthly basis. The fertilizer for orchids for this time of year is rich in nitrogen, so it will help the development of the leaves and the plant grows vigorously. We can opt for both sprayers and wands or ampoules. The one that is most comfortable for us to manage!

And, once these orchid cares have been carried out after flowering, we can only wait. Wait for a new flower stem to grow and fill with buds.

A moment of joy that only those who love these enigmatic plants know.