How to Make a Moth Orchid Rebloom

The original Phalaenopsis is large and stark white.

Orchids belong to the largest plant family in the world, with thousands of different species growing in Central and South America, Mexico and Asia, according to University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Mojave County. Of those thousands, though, some orchid species do better in captivity than others. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, thrive with lower lighting, moderate humidity and standard household temperatures, and so do well as houseplants. They also rebloom within in a given season with the right care.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears/scissors
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Allow the moth orchid to go through its complete blooming phase. Prepare the orchid for reblooming after the last bloom falls from the flower stalk.

2. Cut a healthy flower stalk back to half its length, or 1 inch above the last unused growing joint with pruning shears. New growth starts at these joints to allow the plant more blooms from the same stalk. The joints may produce new flower stalks or individual blooms.

3. Trim unhealthy flower stalks back to healthy sections, or all the way down to 1 inch above the crown of the orchid with your shears. If you cut the entire stalk down, the orchid may produce a new stalk at its base.

4. Water the orchid every two to three days to keep it lush and moist. Phalaenopsis orchids enjoy deep drinks and adequate moisture, especially during the blooming seasons. Use phosphorous-rich 10-50-10 or 10-30-10 water-soluble fertilizer once a week during the blooming season to encourage new growth and blooming. Mix the fertilizer at one-quarter power to keep from burning the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Phalaenopsis orchids bear large, flat blooms that resemble moths. These are warm-temperature orchids, and bloom from April to June. Blooms last for up to 3 months in proper environments.

• Clean your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or bleach after trimming back unhealthy stems to prevent the spread of disease to other plants.

References

• D&B Orchids; Growing Orchids; Dotty Woodson
• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Mojave County; Growing Orchids in Havasu; Kaye Gregory; July 2008
• Texas Cooperative Extension of Bexar County; Growing Phalaenopsis; Lynn Rawe; August 2003
• Beautiful Orchids: Reblooming Your Orchids