Like hibernating mammals, orchids spend part of their life cycle sleeping. However, this process is often misunderstood and people often think the plant is dead. Luckily, in most cases, you just have a dormant orchid preparing to bloom in the spring. In this article you will learn how you should care for an orchid during its dormant period.
What does the rest period look like for orchids?
When an orchid goes dormant, its flowers initially wilt and then fall off, usually one at a time. During dormancy, you will also notice the plant's stem and leaves changing. The stems begin to wilt and the leaves become flat and weak, with dull color (but still green).
How long do orchids have a dormant period?:Orchids have a dormant period that lasts six to nine months. When this period is over, the orchid will bloom again on its own, as if by magic.
How to tell if the plant is dead:You can tell whether the orchid is dead or dormant by looking at its roots. If they are not green or white, fluffy and firm, but brown and mushy, this is a sure sign that your orchid is affected by root rot and cannot be saved. If the crown that connects the leaves and roots is also brown and mushy, this is also a sign that the plant has rotted.
Looking at the plant's leaves is also a good way to determine if it is still alive. However, you have to look closely to see the difference between dormancy and death. If yourOrchid gets yellow leavesall at once, this is a sign that she is dying.
How should you care for an orchid during dormancy?
Although dormant orchids do not produce flowers, how you care for your orchid during its dormant period is crucial to future rebloom. Here you will findsome pro tips.
Follow the watering schedule
You may think that following the watering schedule is unimportant because your orchid isn't blooming with vibrant, colorful flowers, but that's far from the truth. Your plant is alive, healthy and just as thirsty!Water your orchidDuring the resting phase, continue as usual, three ice cubes per week for a normal-sized plant and one for mini orchids. Watering gives your plant the fuel it needs to bloom again.
Care for the orchid during the dormant phase - fertilizer acts as energy
Dormant orchids need nutrients even when they are dormant. Fertilizing a sleeping orchid is important to get it to bloom again. In contrast to other houseplants, orchids do not get their nutrients from the soil, but rather absorb them through fertilizer and potting soil. The fertilizer acts as energy that stimulates growth. For optimal rebloom, fertilize the orchid every two weeks or once a month with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20 or 10-10-10) in half doses. Do not water your orchid during the weeks that you fertilize it.
The plant needs a lot of indirect sunlight
Just like when it's blooming, your orchid needs a lot of indirect light when it's resting. Give your plant the light it craves while protecting it from sunburn by placing it behind a sheer curtain in a north or east-facing window.
Caring for orchid during dormancy – Place in a cooler room
Orchids love high temperatures between 23 and 29 degrees Celsius during the day. Like us humans, they prefer cooler temperatures at night or when resting.
Tip – The optimal temperature for orchids: To achieve maximum growth of dormant orchids, place the plant in a room with a temperature between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius.
Remove flower tops & repot
Once all of your orchid's petals have fallen off, you will need to remove the flower stalk with a sterile knife to avoid infection. Once you've made a clean cut, apply a fungicide directly to it. If you want to try a natural fungicide, sprinkle cinnamon on the cut to prevent fungal growth.
Your orchids get their nutrients from the potting substrate. Repotting your orchid into a larger plastic pot will allow it to continue growing. You should repot your plant every 1-2 years. If your potting medium starts to smell bad, you should repot immediately!
Give your dormant orchid some life
During the dormant phase, the orchid not only loses its flowers, but its stems can also dry out and turn brown. The leaves may also take on a dull, faded appearance. Try incorporating the orchid pot into a larger planting with complementary plants such as mosses.
Even if your orchid looks dead, you can now ensure that its next bloom will be the most beautiful because you already know how to care for the orchid during its dormant period.
Is your orchid not blooming?See herewhat you can do to get your plant to bloom spectacularly!
