Why orchids do not bloom: eight mistakes almost everyone makes

The orchid is considered a symbol of sophistication and a difficult plant to grow and care for. It is said that if you don't put a lot of work and love into it, you won't get fragile flowers.

Well, orchids are indeed difficult to care for. However, according to an expert from the British Orchid Resource Center, who was contacted by Express journalists, mistakes are quite common and can be corrected. So, if your plant hasn't bloomed for 6-9 months, use this list to determine what you're doing wrong and do it right.

Lack of light

Unsuitable lighting conditions are one of the most common reasons why your orchid does not bloom or re-bloom. The most popular indoor orchids, such as phalaenopsis, dendrobium, cattleya, and cymbidium, need bright, diffused light to bloom. Ideally, the plant should be placed away from direct rays but in a bright room like south or east. If this is not possible, provide additional lighting for the flower.

Excessive sunlight

In their natural environment, orchids grow in tropical forests, where sun bunnies run through them from time to time. However, they still spend most of their time in the shade, so direct sunlight is not suitable for them. Because of this, burns can occur on the leaves, and they can lose their color. Under such conditions, flowering is out of the question. So, help your plant heal by moving it to the shade.

No temperature changes

Orchids need rest to have the strength to bud and bloom. Therefore, the expert points out that the air temperature around the flower should be higher during the day to produce energy, and at night, it should drop by several degrees to go into dormancy. Daily fluctuations of 3-5 degrees should be enough.

The pot is too small

When the roots and soil mixture together occupy the entire space in the pot, the ventilation regime is disrupted and the plant begins to suffer from a lack of oxygen. Epiphytes, which include orchids, naturally grow by leaning on trees and releasing aerial roots, so free breathing is extremely important for them. This is how they get most of their nutrients. So, if the roots of your orchid look brown, softened, and clumped together, move it to a new, slightly larger pot.

Excessive watering

An orchid that receives too much water may not only fail to bloom but even shed its already released buds. This plant is also prone to root rot due to waterlogging. Therefore, check if the soil in the pot is not wet and if the drainage is working well to remove water. Fix these mistakes if necessary.

Insufficient watering

This mistake happens even more often. For fear of overwatering the orchid, owners give it not enough moisture, which means that the plant does not have the resources to bloom. It may start sucking water from the buds just to survive. If you are afraid of flooding the roots, provide your flower with frequent warm spraying (after all, it comes from a region where tropical rains are common) and place it on a tray of water. It will cope with hydration by itself, getting moisture from the air.

It's not the season for flowering

Read more about the type of orchid you have chosen to grow at home. Different plants bloom at different times. For some, the season is spring and summer, while others bloom in the fall or even in winter. For example, the expert explained that vanda orchids bloom every 4-6 months, and each flowering cycle can last up to six weeks. On the other hand, cattleyas and cymbidiums delight with flowers only once a year. Don't rely on the fact that the plant was blooming when you bought it as growers can easily induce flowering in greenhouses by manipulating lighting and temperature conditions to sell you an attractive plant. Research the issue and be patient and your flowerpot will definitely please you when it's time.

Wrong fertilizers

All-purpose fertilizers that are good for most houseplants are usually too harsh for orchids' delicate root systems and can burn them with excessive nutrients. Choose only special mixtures designed specifically for this type of flower. Some of them are designed to be applied to the soil, while some only for spraying. You can experiment with the method of fertilization but not with the fertilizer itself.