I have an orchid that has returned for two years. This year, the flowering stem appeared, but the buds dried up before the bloom opened. Why do
I have an orchid that has returned for two years. This year, the flowering stem appeared, but the buds dried up before the bloom opened. Why do you think that happened?
I have another blooming orchid. Should I cut it back after blooming?
I have another blooming orchid. Should I cut it back after blooming?
Answer
The buds that dried up could be from over or under watering (often the former). If the plant is potted in a free drain mix run water through the plant for a couple of minutes, let it drain then do it again. Only do this about every 10 days as orchids do not like soggy conditions. Fertilize weakly weekly with a balanced complete fertilizer. Repot the orchid when it goes out of bloom in fresh orchid mix. They are air plants and need oxygen at their roots so repotting every 2 years or annually will prevent them from oxygen loss.