‘Encourage’ unique orchids to ‘repeat bloom’ by pruning houseplant at correct time of year
Orchids are gorgeous houseplants which can bloom for weeks with the right care, and may even re-bloom if their needs are met. Experts have shared one job which can "encourage" the houseplant to repeat bloom.
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The moth orchid, often recommended for beginner gardeners, is favoured by Britons for their long blooming period.
When given the correct care, they can produce flowers that last anywhere between two and six months before dropping.
To encourage a repeat flower, houseplant experts at BabyBio have shared some care tips as well as one important job to do.
The experts explained: “It’s no secret that orchids have specific requirements and therefore must be treated carefully, a reputation which has caused many plant enthusiasts to be wary of owning an orchid.”
Once orchid flowers have faded and dropped, it can be tempting to throw the plant away as an orchid without them can look bad.
It is possible to get the houseplant to bloom again, as long as it is pruned as soon as the flowers drop.
To do so, make sure to trim away any dead leaves, tissue or roots, being sure to cut diagonally.
For unhealthy brown spikes, the experts recommended cutting all the way back to the base of the plant.
The plant experts added: “Most orchid owners will admit that getting their plants to repeat bloom can be extremely difficult. Their nutritional needs are unique and need fertilising both when in bloom and dormant.
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“Once your plant’s flowers have fallen, you can encourage it to re-bloom by pruning the whole flower stem and continuing to care for it as usual while it lies dormant.”
Most orchids fall dormant during the autumn months, so plan on doing pruning then while it isn’t in active growth.
This may also be a good time to upsize the houseplant’s home, which should be done every year or every other year, depending on how fast the growth is.
The pros continued: “Orchids should be repotted every year so that they can continue to bloom and flourish, however many leave them in the same pot for years.
“If roots appear tight and tangled or you spot white roots growing out of the container, it may be time to repot.
“Another sign your orchid might need repotting is if its roots are beginning to rot, or appear soft and brown, as this could be a sign that your compost is no longer draining effectively.”
When repotting, owners should make sure to use a clean, sharp pair of scissors as this houseplant is susceptible to disease, so it is important to make sure the tools are sterilised.
