Once the flowers of an orchid drop, don’t be tempted to throw away the plant – the stem can reproduce more flowers.
As confirmed by experts at Gardeners’ World, orchids can flower again “for many years to come”.
This especially applies to phalaenopsis orchids, more commonly known as moth orchids, which are most commonly sold at supermarkets and garden centres.
The key “trick” to ensuring these houseplants rebloom once more is in the aftercare of orchids once the flowers have dropped.
“Once your orchid has flowered, you will be left with a flower spike from which most of the flowers have dropped,” the experts noted.
Instead of cutting the stem right down at the base, the best position is “just above a visible node”.
The expert explained: “This should stimulate the production of another flower stem over the next few months.”
This advice differs, however, if the stem has turned straw-coloured, which means it should be removed completely.
The orchid will, eventually, produce a new, strong flower spike in place of the removed straw-coloured stem.
To enhance the longevity of orchids, and to ensure they bloom over the years, the correct watering technique is required.
The best way to tell if your orchid requires watering is to look at the colour of the stems.
If they are green, the orchid is hydrated so you should not water the orchid; you should only water the orchid when the roots take on a silvery colouring.
Also, make sure that an orchid has excellent drainage as standing in water can cause the orchid to not bloom.
Temperature is also important in providing the best care for an orchid, as the tropical plant likes humid environments.
This is why orchids survive the best in bathrooms and kitchens due to the moisture in the air.
They can, however, thrive elsewhere if you stand the plant on a tray of moist pebbles.
The expert elaborated: “The roots absorb moisture from the atmosphere.”
