January 12, 2026
Orchids 101: How Do I Get My Orchid to Rebloom?
Orchids are one of the most popular flowering plants—and also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume that once the blooms drop, the plant is “done.” The good news? With the right care (and a little patience), most orchids are absolutely capable of blooming again—sometimes year after year.
Let’s break down what your orchid actually needs to rebloom, why it sometimes refuses, and how you can gently nudge it back into flowering.
First Things First: Is My Orchid Still Alive?
If your orchid’s flowers have fallen but the leaves are green and firm, congratulations—your plant is healthy and just resting. Blooming takes a lot of energy, so orchids naturally go through a recovery phase after flowering.
What doesn’t mean trouble:
- Dropped blooms
- Bare flower stems
- A pause of several months with no flowers
What does mean trouble:
- Yellow, mushy leaves
- Roots that are brown and squishy
- Constantly wet potting mix
Reblooming starts with overall plant health, so this part matters. Check out our blog on orchid care for all the basics!
Should I Cut the Flower Spike on my Orchid?
This is one of the most common orchid questions—and the answer depends on what the spike looks like.
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If the spike is green and healthy:
You can cut it just above a visible node (those little bumps along the stem). This may encourage a side shoot and a quicker rebloom. -
If the spike is brown or dried out:
Cut it all the way down to the base. The plant will focus its energy on roots and leaves before producing a brand-new spike later.
Neither option is wrong—it’s just a matter of timing and patience.
How Much Light Does an Orchid Need to Rebloom?
Light is the biggest factor in reblooming.
Orchids need bright, indirect light. Too little light equals lots of leaves and no flowers. Too much direct sun can scorch the foliage.
A good rule of thumb:
- Bright room, near a window
- Sheer curtain or filtered light
- Leaves should be medium green—not dark, not yellow
If your orchid hasn’t rebloomed in a year or more, chances are it needs more light.
How Should I Be Watering My Orchid?
Orchids like a rhythm—not soggy roots. Take a look at the roots, if they are a silvery-gray, they need water. If they’re green, they’re hydrated.
- Water thoroughly, then let the potting mix dry slightly before watering again
- Never let the pot sit in standing water
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes
Most orchids are grown in bark, not soil, which dries faster and allows air to reach the roots. Overwatering is a common reason orchids refuse to rebloom.
Do Orchids Need Fertilizer to Bloom Again?
Yes—but gently.
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer at ¼ to ½ strength, every 2–4 weeks during active growth. This supports healthy leaves and roots, which are necessary before flower spikes can form.
No fertilizer won’t usually kill an orchid—but it can slow or stop reblooming.
What’s the Deal with Temperature Changes?
Here’s a little secret many people don’t know:
A slight temperature drop helps trigger reblooming.
Many orchids need cooler nighttime temperatures (about 10–15°F cooler than daytime) for a few weeks to signal that it’s time to bloom again. This often happens naturally near windows in fall or early winter.
You don’t need to do anything extreme—just avoid keeping orchids in rooms that are warm 24/7.
How Long Does It Take For an Orchid to Rebloom?
Patience is key. From spike formation to open flowers can take 2–4 months, sometimes longer. Orchids don’t rush—but when they bloom, they reward you with weeks (or months!) of flowers.
The Bottom Line
If your orchid has green leaves, healthy roots, bright indirect light, proper watering, and a little temperature variation, it wants to rebloom. Most orchids that “never bloom again” simply aren’t getting one of those key ingredients.
If you’d like help figuring out what your orchid needs—or want to explore fertilizers, pots, or even try a new variety—stop by any of our stores and let us help you get those gorgeous blooms back again.