My 10 secrets to make an orchid re-bloom every time

2) Water your orchids properly
Gardening enthusiasts probably know: when watering, it is advisable to soak the roots of the plant rather than proceeding from above. There is a simple and effective dipping technique for this. Place your pot in a container of water at room temperature for 20 minutes, making sure it has small holes towards the bottom for a draining effect. Once this time has elapsed, drain the container and put it back in place, making sure there is enough light. The operation should be repeated every 10 days. Note that rainwater can be useful for this procedure.

3) Expose them to light
During the winter or when the sun’s rays are not very strong, it is possible to expose your plant directly to outdoor light or even on a veranda. Most orchids feed by photosynthesis and therefore need chlorophyll, as do other plants such as hydrangeas, which come in the form of small flowering shrubs, tulips or even hyacinths, however, the rays can be too hot and burn the leaves. Then favour a morning display by placing it in a bright spot with a little shade. In particular, excessive ventilation and draughts should be avoided.

4) Avoid heat sources
Radiators, fireplaces, too aggressive sun, dry heat sources should be avoided for this exotic plant that prefers humidity. If the ambient temperature in the house is above 20 degrees, it is also recommended to place tropical orchids in cooler places such as on shelves near windows or in the stairwell. This houseplant does not tolerate drought well.

5) Use heat shock
Contrary to popular belief, heat shock can be a real advantage in getting your orchids to re-bloom and produce new flower buds. To do this, place your flowers on a balcony or windowsill during the day when the outside temperature does not exceed 15 degrees, then place them back in their usual spot at night. The change in temperature will stimulate growth, especially in autumn when the temperature is favourable. This operation should be repeated for about 15 days, alternating day and night to obtain the desired effect.

6) Prune your orchid
When the plant’s flowers have faded or withered, it is advisable to cut the stems to encourage new flowering and the birth of healthy buds. With pruning shears or clean and disinfected scissors, shorten the latter by cutting 1 centimetre above the second or third node of the flower stem, counting from the bottom.

7) Take care of the leaves
If your petals seem to require the most care because of their fragile appearance, don’t forget the leaves. And this advice applies to all flowers, regardless of their type. These should be cleaned with a cloth soaked in distilled water and a few drops of lemon juice. Another grandmother’s trick is to use cotton wool soaked in a mixture of water and milk to do this task.

8) Opt for an appropriate vase
For proper growth, opt for a transparent vase or pot, which will allow the plant to benefit from the light. Double-walled vases are particularly effective because they stabilise the temperature. In this respect, the cache-pot should be avoided. There are also many plants that you can grow with just a glass of water.

9) Consider humidity
As mentioned above, most orchids are tropical and exotic plants that require ambient humidity to grow in good conditions. Therefore, it will be necessary to ensure that the leaves are regularly sprayed with demineralised water. You can also solve this problem by placing them near a humidifier.

10) Take care of the colour of the leaves
This is an important indicator that will let you know if your maintenance care is the right one for your plant, especially in terms of its direct contact with the sun. In fact, if you see that your leaves are turning yellow or are full of spots, this could mean that the stripes are too aggressive. Conversely, if the leaves are too green or dark green, this indicates that the orchid is not getting enough sunlight. Generally speaking, it is estimated that the orchid should be repotted every two years immediately after flowering. Then the faded flowers can be removed by cutting the dried flower stalk off flush. The plant should also be freed from its substrate because with the passing of the seasons, the latter decays and can suffocate its roots.