Terryn
Hi guys! My orchid is finally done blooming/dying off. What do I do now? How far do I cut down? Do I keep watering and fertilizing? Keep it in the same amount of sun that it was in before?
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Hi guys! My orchid is finally done blooming/dying off. What do I do… | The Orchid Oasis | Comunidad de Planta
3 comentarios
- Waspinator
That whole stalk is drying out, so you can cut it off near the bottom. Care is the same for light and watering. Fertilizer can switch from a mix for blooms to a mix for general purpose/growth if needed. I am not sure on the amount of fertilizer since i don't tend to use it
2 Me gusta- Tinsi
The advice I’ve been always given is to cut just above the last node of the stalk (at the bottom of the plant). No need to fertilise when the plant is dormant, ie when it stops flowering. Fertilise in springtime, or when new shoots/bulbs / stalks start to grow. I only use liquid fertilisers. 1 or 2 times per month. I alternate the fertiliser: inexpensive orchid fertiliser bought from local orchid shows ( to support the local growers), and also worm fertiliser, and store-bought general plant fertiliser (eg Seasol), following the instructions - less is safer. I don’t use the slow-release fertiliser ( eg osmocote) in my indoor plants because when I once used it, it got mouldy (!), and as I habit I fertilise my indoor and outdoor orchids only with liquid fertiliser.
1 me gusta
- Jen
When a flower spike is brown, go ahead and cut it down to the base-there’s no chance of a second flowering. (I personally cut them down after the blooms drop, even when the spike is still green, so the orchid can focus all its energy on vegetative growth. That brings me to your question about change in care- I fertilize, water, and maintain all my orchid with the same care year round. (They may be thirstier while blooming, but I just adjust frequency of watering as needed.) Other than types like Catasetum, orchids don’t go dormant. Phalaenopsis and other fairly common types like cattleyas and oncidiums are growing year round. Leaves and roots are actually MORE important to the overall health of your plant, and you’ll only support a strong blooming season if you have healthy leaves and roots.
6 Me gusta