The orchid is one of the most beautiful exotic flowers in Germany. However, if the exotic suddenly stops producing flowers, then action is required. This is how you can stimulate flower shoots in orchids.
Why do the orchids no longer produce flowers?
There is hardly a more beautiful houseplant than the orchid. Their large, delicate flowers delight the eye for months. The bare shoots next year are all the more sad to see. Why the exotic has stopped producing flowers is a complicated question. Most often it is due to incorrect care combined with unfavorable growing conditions. If the plant is too warm, too dark or the humidity in the room is too low, then the orchid will not produce any flowers. Waterlogging, over-fertilization or the wrong substrate can also be to blame. But how can you promote renewed growth?
Stimulate flower shoots in orchids: adjust lighting conditions
Lack of flower formation usually indicates too little light. The species Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum usually feel very comfortable at the window. Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Vanda, Brassia and Oncidium, on the other hand, need significantly more sunlight to form flowers. They either need to be placed outside in summer or need an LED lamp whose red and blue light will support the growth of the plant. The LED light in combination with high humidity and a well-moistened substrate will promote the re-emergence of flower shoots.
First promote the growth of young plants
Orchids with monopodial branching, such as Phalaenopsis and Vanda, have one main axis along which all shoots and leaves grow. They produce at least 1 to 2 leaves from each side per year. The monopodial orchids can only bloom if they produce new leaves every year.
The sympodial orchids usually have 5 to 6 shoots with leaves and flowers formed by the largest shoot. During the growing season, usually in summer, at least one new flower shoot grows. Older specimens produce several flower shoots every year.
The goal during this period would therefore be for the plant to grow healthily in the first few years. Sufficient water, a sunny location and fertilization in summer are very important during the growth phase.
Care properly depending on the season
Each type of orchid blooms in a specific season. In the garden centersyou can see blooming orchidscan also be found outside of their flowering period - the plants are extra stimulated so that they produce new flowers. But when you bring them home, they will adapt to the new conditions. It is not uncommon for the plant to bloom in autumn instead of spring next year. Some hybrids bloom several times a year.
The length of the flowering period can vary greatly depending on the variety and species. It is therefore worth finding out more in advance. Some orchids produce flowers once a year - but they decorate the plant for months. Other flowers bloom tirelessly for a month, then take a break and then start blooming again.
Repot the orchid regularly
Orchid care also includes repotting. This is often postponed for too long for fear of doing something wrong and damaging the roots. Actually, you should change the substrate at least once a year for young plants and every two years for older plants. High quality substrates can be found in specialized orchid centers. They keep the roots healthy.
Light green roots are a sign that the orchid is doing well. They should not be mushy or dry. Yellow roots indicate waterlogging or incorrect watering. Dark green roots are generally healthy, but the plant urgently needs a dip.
Naturally stimulate flower shoots and flower formation
The orchids react very sensitively to changes in the season. For some species, cool weather signals that the growing season is over and that the flowering period is beginning.
However, the temperatures in the house and apartment are usually constant and rarely fall below 20° Celsius, even in winter. Therefore, the flower cannot tell when the growth phase ends and flower formation begins. It is often enough to place the plant in an unheated room at a temperature of around 15° Celsius for 2 weeks to promote flower formation in Phalaenopsis.
Other orchids such as Cattleya labiata, Miltonia and Oncidium respond to the change in light conditions. If the days become shorter in autumn, this is a signal for the plant to form new flowers. As houseplants, however, they are exposed to artificial light until late in the evening. The solution would be to put them outside in the summer or put them in a dark room after sunset in the fall.
