Which Season Is Best For Orchid Growth?

Orchids grown as potted plants have varied blooming seasons, with the most common peak season being March. However, there are also varieties that bloom throughout the year. To care for an orchid, follow these 10 steps: choose the right orchid type, prune your plant, water, pot, fertilize, and place your orchid in optimal conditions for blooming.

Orchids have a distinctive blooming cycle compared to many other houseplants, with their leaves remaining green and vigorous year-round but their mesmerizing blooms appearing once or twice a year. The main season is late winter into spring, making them especially welcome during the coldest, darkest days of winter. Most orchids grow during the summer and bloom in the fall, winter, or spring. Knowing the season helps alleviate frustration.

Phalaenopsis orchids usually bloom in the fall/spring. Orchid bloom times can be quite variable depending on the growing environment and the hybridization of the plant. Many orchids bloom from January to March, although some bloom during the fall months. Most orchids are perennials and keep their leaves for many years.

To help your orchid rebloom naturally, lower the heat by 5ºC (10ºF) in autumn, usually in autumn. Moving them to a different room in the house can also help kick plants into flowering. Fall is the best time for your orchid to rebloom naturally, as cooler temperatures can trigger the regrowth process.

A natural orchid cycle typically sees leaf growth in summer and early fall, a bloom spike in late fall or early winter, and then blooming in spring/summer. Orchids do not die when flowers fall, and they prefer tropical and subtropical climates.

What months do orchids grow?

The natural orchid growth cycle typically involves leaf growth in summer and early autumn, flower spikes in late autumn to early winter, and flowering in winter and spring. It takes an average of 2 to 3 months for new growth to appear and a fully developed spike to bloom. It is advised not to rotate the orchid, as it will try to grow towards the light. Support a new spike as soon as it is long enough, and use standard plant stakes and orchid clips for support.

For overseas plants, bendable orchid flower stakes are recommended. When buying orchids, look for ones with closed buds at the end of the spike, as they typically have 2 to 3 months of blooming ahead. The twist ties provided by the orchid spikes may not be the best option, so opt for orchid clips instead.

What time of year do orchids go dormant?

Orchids undergo a period of dormancy during winter months, lasting six to nine months. This hibernation is normal and healthy, as the plant prepares for flower display in spring and summer. Some types of orchids, such as phalaenopsis or moth orchids and Paphiopedilum varieties, do not officially go through dormancy, but some growers claim that their plants stop flowering at some point but still grow new leaves. To maintain the health of your orchid, it is recommended to water and feed it at a lesser frequency, but be patient with it and ensure it continues to grow.

What triggers an orchid to bloom?

Orchids require adequate light to rebloom, and it is crucial for hobbyists to understand the factors that trigger blooming in their plants. Without adequate light, no amount of cajoling with decreased nitrogen, abusive cold nights, or dehydration will result in flowering. If you notice a general decline in the number of flowers, it is highly likely that the amount of light reaching your growing area has decreased. Trees and landscaping grow as well and can eventually shade windows.

Ideally, most orchids should have light green foliage, which should be a light yellow-green rather than a lush grass green. The leaves of your plants should be firm and stand upright, with Phalaenopsis needing relatively low light holding their foliage horizontally or somewhat upright. Plants that produce very long, floppy leaves are being grown under insufficient light.

The leaves of your plants should be the plant-equivalent of solar collectors. The lower the light, the bigger the leaves need to be to gather the same amount of light, and the heavier the leaves, the harder it will be to hold them firm and upright. By understanding the factors that trigger blooming in orchids, hobbyists can ensure their orchids rebloom successfully.

What is the season for orchids?

Normal orchid bloom loss is a natural process that occurs when the orchid’s buds suddenly dry up and fall off before opening into blooms. Just Add Ice® Orchids are produced year-round, so their blooming cycle might not follow this exact pattern. However, if the blooms have a typical lifespan and then slowly wilt and fall off, there’s no need to worry. To prevent this, trim back the bloom spikes to an inch above the node past the last bloom and continue your care regimen.

Both bud blast and bloom blast are caused by a traumatic change in the orchid’s environment, such as sudden temperature or humidity changes or improper hydration. To prevent these issues, ensure your orchid is not near a vent when your AC kicks on for the summer and stick to your watering regime. By following these care steps, you can expect more blooms in just a few months.

How long do indoor orchids last?

The lifespan of an orchid depends on various factors, including the type, environment, care, and watering. If properly cared for, orchids can bloom twice a year for 15-20 years, with phalaenopsis orchids typically lasting two to three months. After the initial bloom, the plants go into a resting phase, saving energy for the upcoming flowering season. Some common mistakes made by novice orchid growers include overlooking these details, which are part of the learning process. It’s important to be aware of these mistakes and take steps to ensure the longevity of your orchids.

Do orchids need sun?

Orchids require varying amounts of sunlight for flower production, with some requiring full sun for the entire day and others preferring indirect or dappled light. The time of year also plays a role, as the sun’s position changes over 12 months. Oncidiums like Spaghettis and Equitant require bright light, while Oncidesa, Phalaenopsis, and Cattleya thrive in semi-shaded conditions. Therefore, the ideal light conditions for your highrise garden depend on your specific orchid species.

Do orchids like heat or cold?

Orchids thrive in temperatures of 75°F or higher during daytime and 65°F or higher at night. However, winter temperatures may not be ideal, so it’s crucial to prevent them from being exposed to temperatures significantly colder. If you experience damage, investigate if cold damage may have been the cause and determine when it occurred. If you suspect cold damage, take steps to prevent it from happening in the future.

Do orchids grow in summer?

Orchids thrive in summer and require balanced fertilizer, but their nutritional needs are minimal. They can survive on water without additional feed during cooler weather. Avoid direct sunlight and radiators, preferring bright, east or west-facing windows and bathrooms. Maintain a humid climate with indirect light. Avoid placing your orchid near a fruit bowl, as ripe fruit releases ethylene gas, which can negatively impact the flower. Avoid exposing your orchid to fruit, as it may lose all its flowers overnight.

Do orchids bloom twice a year?

Orchids can bloom once or twice a year, with some flowers lasting weeks or months, while others can last only days. Research on the type of orchid can help determine what to expect. Phalaenopsis orchids typically bloom once per year, with long-lasting blooms. Cattleya, oncidium, and dendrobium orchids typically bloom once or twice per year, with spectacular blooms lasting a month or two.

Orchids have natural stimuli that indicate the end of the growth season and the time to bloom. Some orchids are temperature sensitive, triggered by natural cooling in the fall, while others are light sensitive. Temperatures in the 60’s for a brief period (1-2 weeks) are usually sufficient to initiate a bloom spike in most Phalaenopsis. Light-sensitive orchids grown in homes with constant temperatures may have their natural cycle disrupted, but if allowed to summer outdoors, they will sense the shortening days and begin the bloom cycle.

For more information on orchid care, visit informative pages on Phalaenopsis Orchid Care and a directory of orchid care articles. These pages provide all the basic information needed to keep your beautiful orchids healthy, happy, and blooming.

Do orchids grow in winter?

Orchids can bloom in winter, depending on the type of orchid. Some bloom during the winter months, while others slow down or go dormant. Some easy-to-grow orchids include Lycaste Spinneri, Epidendron, Brasavola, Cycnosches, and Cymbidium.

During winter, most orchids require less care than during summer. After inspecting for pests, bringing them indoors, and ensuring humidity, they only need fertilizer if actively growing and require less water. This allows you to enjoy the season with fewer demands.