Where Phalaenopsis orchids display their magnificent flower dress on the windowsill, passers-by stop in amazement. Once the flowers have withered, the exotic plant with sparse, green shoots has apparently become obsolete and goes into the compost. In fact, all that is needed is the right care for the flower spectacle to repeat itself. Find out how to do this here.
How do you care for orchid shoots after flowering?
After flowering, orchid shoots should not be cut off as long as they are green. Move the plant to a cooler, bright location and water more sparingly. Reduce or stop fertilizing and spray the plant regularly to create optimal growing conditions for new flowers.
Do not cut shoots while they are green
Once all the withered flowers have fallen off, the Phalaenopsis orchid gathers new strength in its shoots for the next flowering period. Therefore, please do not be tempted to cut off green leaves or stems. The butterfly orchid in particular tends to produce fresh branches with buds on a dead shoot. Therefore, only cut off stems and leaves when they are completely dead.
Take care of flowerless shoots properly – this is how it works
If a Phalaenopsis has lost its furious flower aspect, the focus is on caring for the green shoots. By modifying the care program a little, you can skillfully prepare for the next flowering season. How to do it right:
- From the third week without flowers, move the orchid to a bright, cooler location with 16-18 degrees Celsius
- Watering more sparingly and spraying every few days
- Stop nutrient supply completely or just fertilize every 8 weeks
If the aerial roots protrude beyond the edge of the pot, now is the ideal time to repot the orchid. In the midst of flowering, this stressful procedure often causes buds and flowers to drop. If your Phalaenopsis only has its green shoots and leaves, it will easily cope with the change to fresh substrate and a larger pot.
Tip
Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium nobile sometimes tend to drop all their leaves after flowering. This is no cause for alarm. In this case, too, do not cut off green shoots. Watered sparingly, sprayed every 2 days and treated with fertilizer every 4 weeks, you can soon look forward to new buds again. A cool, bright location at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius has an advantageous effect.
