The Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchid, is one of the most popular houseplants, and its ability to rebloom is a common question. Yes, this orchid can rebloom on the same flower spike, which is the specialized stem that holds the flowers. This secondary blooming is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the plant’s health and the grower’s technique. Successfully coaxing a rebloom from the original spike can lead to flowers appearing sooner than waiting for a completely new spike to form.
Understanding the Flower Spike’s Rebloom Potential
The orchid’s flower spike, also known as the inflorescence, is designed to support multiple blooms over time. Along this spike are small, triangular bumps called nodes, which contain dormant bud cells. These nodes can be activated to produce either a secondary flower spike or a small plantlet called a keiki.
Reblooming directly from the existing spike relies on the presence of viable, unused nodes. After the primary blooms drop, the plant redirects energy to activate one of these nodes. A secondary spike emerging from an old node usually produces fewer and smaller flowers than the original display. If the entire spike turns yellow or brown, the plant has withdrawn all energy, and the spike cannot rebloom.
Pruning Techniques for Secondary Blooms
Once all the flowers have faded, you must choose how to prune the remaining green flower spike. The goal of pruning is to encourage the plant to activate a dormant bud by making a clean cut above a viable node. Always sterilize your cutting tool, such as scissors or a razor blade, with rubbing alcohol to prevent introducing pathogens.
To encourage a rebloom, locate the nodes along the stem, starting from the base. The “two-node rule” is a common technique, involving cutting the spike about an inch above the second or third node from the bottom. This leaves the lower section intact, increasing the chance of activating a lower, stronger bud.
If the orchid is young, stressed, or has few leaves, cut the entire spike off near the base. Cutting the whole spike allows the plant to conserve energy and focus resources on growing new roots and leaves. Conserving energy is necessary for a robust display and leads to a stronger new spike emerging later. A completely brown or shriveled spike should always be cut close to the base, as it is dead and cannot rebloom.
Environmental Triggers for New Spike Formation
For a Phalaenopsis orchid to produce a completely new flower spike from the base, environmental cues must signal the end of vegetative growth. The most significant trigger is a distinct drop in temperature, mimicking the natural seasonal change that initiates the reproductive cycle. This process requires a temperature differential between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
To initiate a new spike, the plant needs nighttime temperatures of approximately 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks. Daytime temperatures should remain between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a daily temperature swing of 10 to 15 degrees. This period of cooler nights cues the plant’s hormonal system to develop a new inflorescence.
During the spike-triggering phase, the plant requires bright, indirect light. Sufficient light intensity is necessary to fuel the energy-intensive process of flower spike and bud development. Too little light can prevent new spike formation entirely, even if temperature requirements are met.
General Care During the Rest Period
While the orchid is not in bloom, it enters a resting phase to build up energy reserves for the next flowering cycle. Maintaining the plant’s overall health during this period is necessary for successful reblooming. Use a proper watering schedule, allowing the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings, as overwatering often causes root rot.
Fertilization should continue during the rest period, though often at a reduced frequency compared to the active growth phase. Since orchids absorb nutrients through fertilizer and their potting medium, a balanced orchid fertilizer is essential for storing energy. Bright, indirect light remains a requirement for leaf and root development, which supports the future flower spike.