Of all of the more commonly available orchids, only Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) will re-bloom from its old spike. Phalaenopsis will generally re-bloom given a little extra care.
Avoid overwatering which leads to the demise of many more orchids than underwatering. Constant wetness will cause the roots to rot, which leaves the plant without a means for taking up nourishment which then causes the leaves to droop and will eventually kill the plant.
Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all "necessary trace elements."
Orchid plants need repotting for one or a combination of two main factors: Potting mix breaks down, often evidenced by dead roots, or the plant outgrowing the container.
A fresh, fast-draining, but water-retentive medium is essential to the healthy root system necessary for good growth.
South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark.
Insufficient light is the most common cause of failure to re-bloom your orchid. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate.
A plantlet (called a keiki (kay-kee), the Hawaiian word for baby) will sometimes grow on a flower spike (called an "inflorescence").
One of the most widely available orchids of the mass market types is also the best for the home - the phalaenopsis or moth orchid which will grow easily under the same conditions enjoyed by African Violets.
Many consumers, both retail and retailer, find themselves in a position today of having to make purchase- oriented decisions about an entirely new -- to them, at least -- class of plants: orchids.
Shriveled leaves indicate a lack of water to plant tissue. The next step is to determine why the plant is not getting sufficient water.
There are many reasons why buds fall off before flowering.
