The loss of vibrant blossoms from an orchid is a natural transition from the reproductive phase to the vegetative stage. This post-bloom period does not signal a need to stop tending to the plant. Instead, it is a crucial time for the orchid to gather strength and energy for its next flowering display. Understanding the plant’s needs during this change is the first step toward encouraging re-blooming in the future.
The Immediate Watering Routine
The simple and direct answer to whether you should water an orchid after the flowers fall off is yes; the plant is still very much alive and requires consistent hydration. The plant’s fundamental need for water does not stop when the last petal drops. Maintaining a regular watering frequency is important, though this schedule depends heavily on the type of growing medium used. For orchids potted in bark mix, watering once a week is often a safe routine because the coarse media drains quickly.
It is most reliable to determine the need for water by checking the plant itself, rather than strictly following a calendar schedule. For orchids grown in clear plastic pots, the color of the roots provides the most accurate visual cue. Healthy, hydrated roots appear a vibrant green color, indicating they have absorbed sufficient moisture. When the roots turn a silvery-gray or whitish color, the orchid is thirsty and ready for watering.
Another helpful indicator is the weight of the pot; if it feels significantly light compared to immediately after watering, the medium has dried out. When watering, thoroughly drench the root ball with room-temperature water until it runs freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root system is saturated. Allow the excess water to drain completely to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water, which can lead to rot.
Understanding the Orchid’s Rest Phase
The phase immediately following the loss of flowers is known as the vegetative or resting phase, where the orchid shifts its focus from reproduction to growth. During the blooming phase, water is lost through the flowers via transpiration, making hydration important. Once the flowers are gone, the plant’s immediate water loss decreases, but its metabolic processes continue as it works to store energy for the next bloom cycle.
This period of rest is not true dormancy for common household orchids, like the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), but rather a period of reduced growth speed. Continued watering supports the development of new leaves and roots, which are the structures that will sustain the plant and allow it to produce a new flower spike later. Consistent watering is necessary to prevent the roots from becoming dehydrated and shriveled. Providing the correct environment and care during this vegetative phase ultimately triggers the plant to initiate a new flower spike.
Post-Bloom Maintenance: Pruning and Repotting
Beyond the ongoing watering routine, the post-bloom period is the ideal time to perform two maintenance tasks: pruning the spent flower spike and repotting. The approach to pruning the flower spike depends on its condition and the grower’s goal for the next bloom. If the flower spike of a Phalaenopsis is still green and healthy, cut it back just above the second node, which is a small, triangular bump on the stem. Cutting here encourages the plant to potentially produce a secondary flower spike from that node.
Alternatively, if the flower spike has turned brown, yellow, or completely dry, cut it off entirely at the base of the plant. This full removal is also recommended for any orchid that appears weak or stressed, as it forces the plant to redirect all its energy into growing new leaves and roots. Always use a sterilized cutting tool, such as a sharp razor or shears wiped with rubbing alcohol, to prevent the transmission of disease.
Repotting is an essential task ideally timed just after the flowers have dropped, as the plant is preparing for its new growth cycle. Orchids should generally be repotted every one to two years, not necessarily because they have outgrown the pot, but because the potting medium degrades. Over time, bark chips and moss break down into smaller particles, which compacts around the roots and prevents the necessary air circulation.
This breakdown causes the medium to hold excessive moisture, significantly increasing the risk of root rot, which is the most common cause of orchid failure. Repotting into fresh, coarse media, such as new orchid bark mix, restores the balance of moisture retention and aeration. Since the fresh medium drains much faster than the old, decomposed material, repotting affects the plant’s water requirements, often necessitating a slightly more frequent watering schedule until the plant establishes itself.