Getting Your Orchid To Rebloom, Up Close And In Person!

It is with great excitement that I share with you my white phaleanopsis orchid in full bloom, namely in full bloom as it has re-bloomed! And even more marvelous is that the plant now has four stalks of blooms as opposed to the two stalks of flowers that were existing when I received this beauty. Now, I am no expert when it comes to orchids, but since my orchid is obviously quite happy, I guess I did something right, so I thought I'd share that with you!

Here are some tips for getting your orchid to rebloom:

1. An orchid that bloomed for a long period when you purchased it, and continued to produce more buds and flowers is obviously a happy orchid, and will more likely rebloom. If your orchid deteriorated quickly it would be wise to think about whether you gave it all the light and water that it truly needed?
2. This particular orchid actually bloomed for an entire year, from September to September, which was such a treat. I do believe that the large leaves on my plant (as opposed to those mini orchids with small leaves you'll see in the grocery store) and the fact that my plant grew new leaves during the year helped it find its happy balance in my home. Yes, several leaves have yellowed and I cut them off, as the plant seems to only want to support about five leaves.
3. Water your orchid regularly, I watered mine twice a week, and make sure it gets lots of bright light, but no direct sun.
4. Orchids like cold temperatures so keep them out of any direct heat, and if you live in a warm climate, try putting some ice cubes in the pot now and then.
5. Once the blooms have dropped off entirely, cut the stalk to half or a third of its height, and seal the tip with wax. (I did this and new stalks grew from these old ones!)
6. One certainly can fertilize with orchid fertilizer, (I believe during its rest period, but don't take my word for it…..) but I did not as I don't have access to such a product.
7. Orchids are sold in plastic pots that are translucent for a reason, so if your orchid is growing in such a pot, I wouldn't re-pot it, as apparently the plant likes to get light in its roots.
8. Talk to your orchid and tell it all the time how happy its flowers make you, and how wonderful it is!
9. Do have some patience and hopefully your orchid will surprise you! Mine took about 4 plus months to produce stalks and another few months before the buds were large enough to open.

This post is a part of a wonderful monthly series orchestrated by Urban Jungle Bloggers, and was developed with this month's theme of botanical zoom in mind. As a lover of plants myself, and a gardener who gardens in containers both indoors and out on account of no actual yard, I may not live in what would be called an "urban" location, but my gardening techniques certainly are, so I'm happy to join the club!