When your orchid stops flowering

A phalaenopsis orchid flowers for six to eight weeks, and then the flowers drop one by one. Many people throw the plant away at this point. With a little patience it will flower again, usually within eight to twelve months.

First, look at the spike. If it has turned brown and dry, cut it off near the base with clean scissors. If it is still green, cut it just above the second node below where the lowest flower was. A green spike sometimes sends out a small side shoot with a few new flowers within two months.

Then let the plant rest and grow leaves. Keep it in bright light without direct sun, such as near an east-facing window. Water once a week with a small cup, letting the water drain out completely; in the Pune monsoon, once every ten days is enough. Never let the pot stand in water. Feed it with a weak orchid fertiliser once a month from March to October.

The new spike usually appears after a few cooler weeks, which is why many Pune orchids start a spike in December or January, when nights fall to 12 or 14 °C. Once you see a spike, do not move the pot or turn it; the buds form facing the light. If the roots are pushing out of the pot or the bark has turned to mush, repot it after flowering. We repot orchids bought from us for ₹250, with fresh bark.