The family Orchidaceae is one of the largest groups of flowering plants, highly valued for their intricate and long-lasting blooms. Many people purchase an orchid in full flower and later wonder if the plant can sustain itself to produce new blossoms. The answer to whether an orchid grows back every year is generally yes, but this annual renewal depends entirely on the specific type of orchid and its unique internal growth structure. Reblooming is possible if the correct structure is present and the proper environmental cues are provided.
Monopodial and Sympodial Growth Structures
The fundamental difference in how orchids renew themselves lies in their two primary growth patterns: monopodial and sympodial. Understanding this structure determines where a flower spike can emerge.
Monopodial orchids grow vertically from a single stem, producing new leaves from the top of the plant. A popular example is the Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchid, which slowly increases in height, often producing only one or two new leaves each year. This type lacks specialized water-storage organs and relies on continuous growth from its central point for survival and future flowering.
In contrast, sympodial orchids grow horizontally along a rhizome, a modified stem that creeps along the potting medium surface. New shoots emerge laterally from this rhizome, developing into structures called pseudobulbs. These thickened stems store water and nutrients, allowing the plant to survive periods of drought. Examples include Cattleya and Dendrobium species, whose renewal cycle involves the maturation of a new pseudobulb that will bear the next flower spike.
Signs of Life After Blooming Stops
When an orchid’s flowers drop, the plant enters a resting or vegetative phase, which many owners mistakenly view as a sign of death. Several physical indicators confirm the plant is conserving energy for the next growth cycle. The leaves should maintain a turgid, firm texture and a healthy medium-green color. A healthy root system is another reliable sign of life, characterized by plump, firm roots that are often green or green-white, particularly the aerial roots exposed to the air.
For sympodial orchids, the pseudobulbs provide the most direct confirmation of health; they should remain firm and plump, indicating they are still holding reserves of water and nutrients. Once all the flowers have fallen, the spent flower spike on a monopodial orchid can be trimmed back to a lower node to encourage a secondary spike or cut completely if it begins to turn brown or yellow.
Necessary Conditions for Annual Reblooming
Successfully encouraging an orchid to rebloom depends on replicating the environmental triggers it experiences in its natural habitat.
Temperature Differential
One of the most important factors for many species, including the common Phalaenopsis, is a specific temperature differential between day and night. For several weeks in the fall, the plant needs to experience night temperatures approximately 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the daytime temperatures, ideally dropping into the 55 to 65°F range. This change in temperature signals the plant to initiate the development of a flower spike.
Light Requirements
The quantity and quality of light are also significant, as insufficient light is a frequent reason for a failure to rebloom. Orchids generally require bright, indirect light. A healthy plant will exhibit leaves that are a medium, grassy-green color, not a dark, deep green which suggests low light levels. Once a new flower spike is visible, the plant should be returned to its normal, warmer environment to allow the spike to mature.
Watering and Fertilization
The watering and fertilization regimen must be adjusted based on the growth pattern and cycle. Some sympodial orchids, such as certain Dendrobiums, require a distinct, cool, and dry rest period, where watering is significantly reduced to mimic a dry season. Fertilization is also important; switching to a bloom-boosting fertilizer with a higher proportion of phosphorus can support the plant’s energy demands once the new flower spike begins to form. Maintaining a high level of humidity, typically between 55% and 75%, also supports overall plant health.