Blooming

Once an orchid's blooms have faded, the plant will go into hibernation for a period of at least 6 or 7 months. During the hibernation period the plant will gather energy but will not bloom. Therefore it is important to continue to water your plant and provide it with bright and indirect sunlight if you would like it to rebloom again after its dormancy. Continue to fertilize your orchid at least once per month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Orchids prefer cooler tempertures at night to help them bloom.

Orchids should be repotted about once every one or two years. Repot after blooms have fallen and growing cycle is complete. Try to keep roots intact. Choose a pot that is 1 or 2 inches larger in diameter than your current pot, and which has drainage holes to let excess water escape. Orchids prefer a special potting mix made of coarse bark and/or sphagnum or peat moss that helps retain moisture. You can buy premade orchid potting mix at your local garden centre.