Many orchid owners wonder if their orchid will rebloom on the same flowering spike or if they need to wait for a new spike to emerge. The short answer is that it depends on the type of orchid. Some orchids, like phalaenopsis, are capable of reblooming on old spikes while others, like cattleyas, will always produce new spikes when they bloom again. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how orchid spikes work and what is needed to get an orchid to rebloom.
How Orchid Spikes Work
Orchid spikes contain nodes where the flower buds emerge from. On single-flowering orchids like cattleyas, once those nodes bloom and the flowers drop, the spike dies back and will not rebloom again. However, on sequential-blooming orchids like phalaenopsis, the spikes contain many nodes spaced out along their length. These nodes will bloom sequentially over weeks or months.
Once all the nodes on a phalaenopsis spike have bloomed, it is possible for a healthy orchid to produce a secondary bloom cycle on that same spike. This is because phalaenopsis spikes are technically still alive after the initial bloom and can be coaxed into reblooming from inactive nodes if conditions are right.
So in summary:
- Single-flowering orchids like cattleyas will always produce new spikes when reblooming.
- Sequential-bloomers like phalaenopsis can potentially rebloom on old spikes if healthy.
What is Needed for Rebloom
To get an orchid to rebloom on the same spike, there are a few key things to provide:
1. Adequate Light
Light is the most critical factor for rebloom. Orchids need bright, indirect light to bloom again. An east, west, or slightly shaded south window is ideal. Supplement with artificial light if needed.
2. Proper Temperature
Orchids grow best with daytime temperatures of 70-85°F and nights of 60-65°F. Moving an orchid to a warmer spot can trigger rebloom.
3. Sufficient Water and Humidity
Orchids need more frequent watering and higher humidity when spikes are developing. Water when top few inches of potting mix are dry. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity.
4. Regular Fertilizing
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer or 20-20-20 formula weakly weekly while orchid is actively growing. This provides nutrients needed for new bloom.
5. Trimming Spike Tip
For phalaenopsis, trim off the bare tip of the spike above the uppermost node. This mimics repotting stress and can spur rebloom.
Providing these optimal conditions gives an orchid the best chance at reblooming, whether on old spikes or new ones.
Step-By-Step Guide for Rebloom
If you want to try to coax your phalaenopsis into reblooming on the same spike, follow these steps:
1. Prune Spike
Once flowers have dropped, use sterile shears to trim the spike 1⁄4 inch above the highest node. Remove any dried or discolored part of spike.
2. Provide Bright Light
Place orchid in an east, west, or slightly shaded south window. Supplement with a grow light if needed to provide 12-14 hours of bright light daily.
3. Increase Temperature
Gradually move orchid to warmer area with daytime temps of 75-85°F and night temps of 65-70°F.
4. Water More Frequently
Water orchid when top 1-2 inches of potting mix is dry. Increase humidity around plant.
5. Fertilize Regularly
Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer or 20-20-20 formula weekly at 1⁄4 strength.
6. Be Patient!
It can take 2-3 months for new bloom to initiate. Don’t repot or prune farther up spike until rebloom begins.
Following these steps provides the ideal conditions to stimulate rebloom on the old spike. However, there are no guarantees the orchid will comply! It may opt to produce a new spike instead. But your efforts will at least encourage re-flowering.
Optimal Orchid Care for Rebloom
Caring for an orchid properly is key to getting it to rebloom, whether on old or new spikes. Here is a summary of the optimal growing conditions for orchids:
Light
Orchids need 12-14 hours under grow lights or in an east, west, or slightly shaded south window. Leaves should be light green, not dark green.
Temperature
Daytime temps of 75-85°F and nights of 60-70°F are ideal. Spike initiation requires at least a 10 degree drop between day and night temps.
Watering
Water when top inch or two of potting mix is dry. Potting mix should dry out in 5-7 days. Increase watering frequency when spike is initiating.
Humidity
Maintain 40-60% humidity around orchids. Use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase moisture levels.
Air Circulation
Use small fans to circulate air and prevent disease. Stagnant conditions can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to 1⁄4 strength weekly while actively growing. Flush pots monthly to prevent salt buildup.
Providing these ideal conditions will give your orchid the best chance of reblooming, whether back on the original spike or on a brand new one.
Common Problems That Inhibit Rebloom
If your orchid isn’t reblooming, there are a few common issues that may be preventing it:
Insufficient Light
Lack of adequate brightness and duration of light is the number one reason orchids won’t rebloom. Supplement natural light with artificial grow lights.
Improper Temperature
If temperatures are too cool (below 60°F) or remain constant day and night, orchids cannot initiate spikes. Provide proper day/night variance.
Underwatering
Letting orchids dry out too much between waterings stresses the plant and inhibits rebloom. Water more frequently while spikes are forming.
Overwatering
Allowing orchid potting mix to stay soggy can cause root rot and discourage rebloom. Let potting mix dry adequately between waterings.
Lack of Fertilizer
Not providing nutrients regularly while actively growing depletes energy needed for re-flowering. Fertilize weekly at diluted strength.
Correcting any environmental issues like these is key to getting an orchid to bloom again.
When to Give Up on an Old Spike
How long should you leave an old orchid spike intact before giving up hope of rebloom? Here are some guidelines:
- Leave phalaenopsis spikes for 6 months after initial blooming before removing.
- Discard cattleya spikes once flowers have dropped as they will not rebloom.
- Trim dendrobium spikes back above lowest node after blooming.
- Cut back oncidium spikes to bottom two nodes after bloom.
Use a sterile tool like pruners or scissors to trim spikes. Cut just above a node line, leaf, or pseudobulb. Avoid leaving bare stem stubs which can attract rot.
If six months have passed with no sign of rebloom on a phalaenopsis spike, go ahead and trim it off. The plant will then focus energy on generating a fresh spike from a different growth point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about orchid spike rebloom:
Why won’t my phalaenopsis orchid rebloom?
Lack of sufficient light is the most common reason. Phalaenopsis need 12-14 hours under growing lights or in an east or west window to initiate flower spikes. Inadequate water, humidity, fertilizer, or temperatures can also inhibit rebloom.
Should I cut the spike after my orchid finishes blooming?
For phalaenopsis, you can trim just the end of the spike and leave lower nodes intact to encourage potential rebloom. For cattleyas and dendrobiums, yes trim spikes off entirely once flowers drop.
How long does it take for an orchid to rebloom?
On average, phalaenopsis orchids rebloom each year if cared for properly. But the reblooming process takes 9-15 weeks from spike initiation to open flowers. Other orchid types may bloom on a biannual cycle.
Do orchids bloom more than once on the same spike?
Phalaenopsis orchids can potentially rebloom on the same spike while cattleyas, dendrobiums, oncidiums and others will always generate new spikes when re-flowering. Proper orchid care is needed for repeat blooms.
Why is my orchid growing a spike but no flowers?
Flower buds take 4-6 weeks after spike formation to develop. Be patient and continue providing ideal reblooming conditions. Buds may also blast off from stress before they can open.
Conclusion
With the right care, certain orchids like phalaenopsis can be coaxed into reblooming on old spikes. Provide lots of light, proper temperatures, adequate water and fertilizer to encourage re-flowering. For orchids that don’t rebloom on old spikes, simply snip off the spent stem and await new bloom spikes to emerge with diligent care. Paying close attention to your orchid’s needs will help ensure many lovely repeat blooms for years to come!