How and when does the phalaenopsis orchid bloom?
So, first you need to understand one botanical feature of the development of our tropical guest. When the phalaenopsis orchid blooms, the answer to this question hides in itself accompanying answers to all possible questions of inexperienced gardeners as to why the orchid does not bloom for a long time. So, the Phalaenopsis orchid blooms for the first time not earlier than 2 years after its planting. Therefore, if a flower is planted with the help of a child, then it is worth waiting for the formation of at least 6 full-fledged leaves and then sound the alarm.
Immediately after planting, the plant begins to build up its root mass. This can take at least 6 months, depending on the planting conditions. And only after this does the development of aerial roots and deciduous mass begin. This is a very important time, since flower buds of future peduncles are laid in the axils of new leaves. Therefore, as soon as the tops of new leaves begin to appear, active fertilizing with mineral complexes should be started. But be careful. It is best to exclude nitrogen from the composition of dressings or buy such formulations where it is contained in the smallest ratio. Phosphorus, potassium and magnesium are needed to lay future flower stalks.
Another important point that concerns the question of when orchids bloom. This tropical plant has no concept of the changing seasons. In principle, it does not know about the fact that we have winter in our latitudes and the time comes to shed the foliage and stop flowering. The phalaenopsis orchid is not particularly sensitive to the length of daylight hours, since under natural conditions it grows under the cover of dense foliage of the tropical forest. Therefore, the phalaenopsis orchid is capable of blooming without interruption for up to 10 - 11 months. The time when she throws out a peduncle depends entirely on the skill and experience of the grower.
What affects flowering
The most demanding plant is an orchid. How to care for at home so that it blooms, every novice florist needs to know.
Orchid blooms are beautiful both in nature and at home.
The age of the plant is an important factor. The first time an orchid begins to bloom is when it turns one and a half years old. There are species in which flowering begins much later.
To determine the age of a flower, it is enough to pay attention to the number of shoots. If there are more than five of them, the plant is considered an adult and should bloom.
Important! If the orchid begins to bloom earlier than after a year and a half, this leads to its depletion. She will not be able to recover and soon dies
Flowering also depends on other factors to look out for.
A place
An orchid is a plant that needs rest, so it should never be moved under any circumstances. In addition, the flower is light sensitive. Immediately after the purchase, you need to take care that the pot is turned towards the light as it was in the store.
It is important that the daylight hours for a flower at any time of the year last at least 10 hours. In winter, additional illumination with phytolamps is necessary.
These devices replace sunlight to the plant without drying out the air.
Important! Without additional good lighting in autumn and winter, the plant will stop developing and die. Especially if it has released a peduncle
The roots of the plant, like the leaves, take an active part in photosynthesis, and they also need a lot of light. Otherwise, they will start to hurt and die.
When transplanting, it is important to choose the right pot. It must be plastic and have sufficient drainage holes.
Do not take pots with a loose surface, as the root system can grow to it. The sharp edges of the container cause trauma to the roots, resulting in a negative effect on the entire plant.
Fertilizers
For abundant flowering, the plant needs to be fed with fertilizers with phosphorus and potassium. These minerals have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of the flower. It is not recommended to fertilize it with nitrogen-containing substances, since they suspend the formation of peduncles.
Watering
What and how to water orchids so that they always bloom? The flower needs moisture only when the soil is completely dry. This protects the root system from rotting. The watering procedure should be carried out both in summer and in winter.
Important! After the plant has faded, re-watering is done only after a month. Under natural conditions, after flowering, all members of the Orchid family begin to develop and ripen seeds.
The period falls on dry weather, so it is important to create favorable conditions for plant propagation in the house.
Under natural conditions, after flowering, all members of the Orchid family begin to develop and ripen seeds.
The period falls on dry weather, so it is important to create favorable conditions for plant propagation in the house.
Unlike soil, the air around the plant should be humid. This condition is necessary for the normal development of the flower and its buds. Optimum air humidity can be created by placing a saucer filled with water near the pot, or by sprinkling the flower itself.
Water the orchid every 10-14 days
Temperature
For favorable flowering, the change in temperature between night and day plays an important role. The difference between the indicators of the thermometer should be no more than 6 degrees and no less than 4. It is quite problematic to create such an atmosphere indoors, therefore, from the end of May, the flower must be taken out into the open air. So nature itself will take care of the optimal conditions for flowering.
In winter, it is important to ventilate the room, but drafts should not be allowed. They can destroy the plant
How to make the phalaenopsis orchid bloom at home?
Let's talk about how to stimulate flowering using various methods.
Primarily
Do not change location during budding
The change in light has a negative effect on the orchid. The plant has to rebuild the cellular structure of tissues, adapt previously poorly illuminated fate to intense photosynthesis.
There are few resources left for flowering, and flowering will be postponed until better times.
If you twist and rearrange the pot all the time, you may not wait for this joyful event
Special attention should be paid to seasonal changes in natural light.
Transparent pot
Orchids are unique plants that have aerial roots. These scions have the ability to absorb moisture directly from the air, despite their thick, clumsy appearance.
The main distinguishing ability of such roots is that they participate in photosynthesis in the same way as leaves, not without reason they are the same color.
Of course, the stores now offer such an assortment of flower pots in all colors of the rainbow that it is a shame to plant an orchid in an unremarkable transparent container. But this is exactly what she needs!
The best phalaenopsis pot is transparent.
Attention! If plants of other families receive nutrients only from leaves, then this unique among flowers produces chlorophyll, literally, with the whole body. An opaque pot will immediately deprive the orchid of half of its nutrients.
Additional lighting in the autumn-winter period
Hypothermia should be avoided in winter, so a cold windowsill is not the best place for a delicate plant.A stand is needed so that there is an air gap between the cold surface and the roots of the plant.
For optimal lighting, it is rational to use economical LED phytolamps, which will provide plant cells with light. red and blue spectra... This light is best suited for photosynthesis.
Day and night temperature difference (as in nature)
In rainforest conditions, the difference between day and night temperatures is about 5 degrees Celsius. It is such a difference that can provoke the beginning of the growth of peduncles in phalaenopsis.
Re
The use of chemicals for stimulation
succinic acid
Succinic acid gently heals the whole plant, it is safe even in case of an overdose:
- Prepare a solution based on 500 ml. pure water and 1 tablet of succinic acid (or the amount on the tip of a knife, if in powder);
- Spray the plant completely, water with the rest.
After processing, phalaenopsis will begin to release new leaves and roots, take root and begin to bloom.
Succinic acid heals phalaenopsis.
Epin
This remedy helps the plant to cope with stress and adapt to new conditions.
Leaves are sprayed with this preparation, but not watered.
Stimulating dormant kidneys with cytokinin paste
A powerful method of affecting dormant kidneys. The essence lies in the action of the phytohormone cytokinin, which helps not only to awaken the bud, but also to grow from it a healthy strong peduncle with many buds.
Cold and hot shower
A contrast shower simulates tropical rainfall and removes dirt from the surface of the plant. If there is a spider mite on the leaves, a stream of water will wash it off.
A contrast shower will help stimulate flowering.
Carefully! If the water temperature is above 35 degrees Celsius, you can burn the plant. In general, this is a fairly harmless method for a healthy plant, but during the budding phase it can bring significant harm, because even turning the pot is not recommended.
What if the orchids are not blooming?
There are several tricks for making orchids bloom.
Attention! You can use only one of the methods of stimulating flowering, since the simultaneous use of several measures will cause great stress on the plant. Physiological methods of stimulating flowering should also not be combined with chemical biostimulants.
This can lead to undesirable consequences.
Sometimes an orchid does not want to bloom because of too "ideal" conditions, then it should create a little stress.
Drought simulation
Orchid is a plant native to the tropics, where there is no division into the seasons of winter and summer. But there are periods, accompanied by tropical rains, followed by drought. This natural cycling can be applied in indoor plant maintenance to solve several problems associated with the lack of flowering.
So, how to help an orchid bloom:
- monotonous watering of the plant has a positive effect on the growth of leaves, therefore, a change in climate can provoke flowering;
- if nitrogen predominated in the diet of phalaenopsis, then the drought season will help get rid of it and will stimulate the formation of flower buds;
- creating a lack of moisture, it is necessary to ensure that the temperature in the room does not rise above 30 ℃;
- the interval between watering is almost doubled, during which time the roots should dry out completely. In this state, in a warm room, the plant should stand for an additional 4-5 days and up to 7 days if the room is cool;
- at this time, the orchid is not sprayed or fed;
- at the first appearance of a flowering arrow, plant care is resumed, excluding feeding;
- in winter, the orchid needs additional lighting.
This method can only be used for a healthy orchid; a weakened plant may die.
Warm shower
This technique is recommended for stimulating the growth, flowering, and hardening of the orchid:
- the flowerpot is covered with polyethylene so that water does not get there;
- before the procedure, phalaenopsis is poured with water at room temperature;
- the water temperature of a warm shower should be about 40-50 ℃;
- the duration of the treatment of the plant is 15-20 seconds;
- repeat the procedure every 10-12 days, except for the winter period;
- after that, the orchid is left in a closed bath to allow the plant to cool completely.
Treating the plant with too hot a shower can cause undesirable consequences, so this procedure must be carried out with caution.
You can stimulate flowering with a warm shower.
Simulated rainy season
One way to wake up an orchid is to simulate an artificial rainy season. When carrying out water procedures, only warm water heated to 35 ℃ is used:
- water the plant for 3-4 days in a row (you can take a shower);
- then, within two weeks, watering is completely stopped so that the roots dry out.
After this time, watering is resumed and carried out as usual.
Important! All these methods of stimulating flowering should be carried out against the background of a decrease in the amount of nitrogen in dressings and an increase in the content of potassium and phosphorus. The optimal ratio of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to stimulate flowering is 2: 6: 6.
The use of chemicals
The use of biostimulants for daily spraying of the leaves and weekly watering of the orchid adds energy to the plant and stimulates the release of the arrow.
succinic acid
This drug activates many biological processes in the plant:
- strengthens the immune system;
- improves growth and development;
- stimulates the onset of flowering and its duration.
The leaves are sprayed with a solution of succinic acid and the roots are soaked. After regular processing, new flower stalks form in phalaenopsis, roots and leaves grow.
Use succinic acid according to the instructions.
Cytokinin paste
It is a hormonal preparation containing a natural phytohormone - cytokinin. It is most commonly used in floriculture practice:
- stimulates cell proliferation;
- promotes the awakening of dormant kidneys;
- stimulates plant growth;
- affects the formation of peduncles, prolongs flowering.
Its use promotes the restoration of weak plants, stimulates the formation of children in orchids.
Stimulation of children with cytokinin paste.
Why the orchid doesn't bloom
Often it is inappropriate orchid care that causes many problems. Inexperienced growers are sure that the main thing is to correctly deliver the plant from the store to the apartment, and the rest will follow. This approach can lead to the rapid death of the flower.
Conditions for orchids
To master all the intricacies of caring for a plant, it will be useful to learn more about its life in its natural habitat. Orchid is an inhabitant of tropical latitudes, where it is always humid and hot. In a domestic setting, the southern or side of the room will be most suitable for it. In the tropics, the orchid is reliably protected by the crowns of tall trees, but in the room there is no such protection
Therefore, it is important to create a shade for the plant, because direct sunlight can burn the delicate leaves, and the orchid will get sick
There are also cold-loving orchid varieties. Their advantage is that they are much less demanding in placement, so you can experiment with them without worrying about the consequences. However, you need to choose one specific place, you cannot move the orchid to different corners of the apartment every day, because this will definitely affect its flowering.
Additional lighting for the orchid
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is detrimental to the flower, but still he loves good lighting. In autumn and winter, the plant lacks light. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the condition of the flower during this period by installing additional lighting. To do this, you can use any type of lamp, except for an incandescent lamp, which will only heat the orchid.
Do not put it too close to the light source - this will definitely not promote flowering and may even destroy the plant. If it is not possible to provide the flower with more light, it is better to choose less whimsical orchid varieties that do well in an apartment.
Temperature for orchid
Unfavorable temperature conditions are one of the common reasons that an orchid does not bloom.
Even when buying, you should pay attention to the temperature recommendations for a particular type of plant. For some of them, +20 ºC is enough, others feel good at 35 ºC, while others feel comfortable at 10 ºC
When choosing, you need to take into account that the temperature in the apartment differs day and night, it also changes depending on the season
In addition, in winter, it is important to make sure that the orchid does not stand close to the heating device, this can harm it.
Watering the orchid at home
If the orchid is watered too abundantly, you can forget about flowering. The greatest threat is the liquid stagnant in the roots, it leads to plant disease and other troubles. For an orchid, as for many plants, the rule is "it is better to underfill than to overfill."
Not only the temperature in the room is important, but also the temperature of the water with which the soil is moistened, if possible, it should be the same. Heat-loving plants can be watered with sufficient hot water - about 38 ºC. Nevertheless, even cold-loving species should not be irrigated with ice water.
There are several more rules, non-observance of which will easily ruin the flower:
- After watering, it is best to leave the orchid and let the excess liquid drain from the roots. If it is in the substrate, it is advisable to select a container that is the same around the perimeter.
- The substrate should never be dry.
- It is best to reduce watering during the fall and winter period. It is desirable to make it more abundant in the spring, when the cold weather will end. In late spring and summer, especially in hot weather, it is worth finding a cooler place for the flower, suggesting shade, this will help the orchid bloom faster.
- During flowering, watering the plant takes longer, abundant watering during this period is simply necessary.
Feeding orchids at home
There are many types of food, including nutrients and various minerals. Flower shops offer a wide range of fertilizers specifically for orchids. But you can also make fertilizer at home. The frequency and concentration of feeding differs depending on the type of flower, as well as on the stage of plant development, because it needs to be fed only during periods of active growth. You can also spray the fertilizer on the leaves of the plant.
Bloom
Reasons for absence
The most accurate wording of a problem is inappropriate conditions. Flowering is a sign of plant health.
After the purchase
It takes time to get used to new conditions after purchase. Changing the habitat is in itself a big challenge for the plant.
In nature, a flower is in one place all its life, in a familiar environment. When the temperature regime, the angle of illumination, the temperature of the substrate change sharply, the plant has to rebuild the work of its tissues.
Transportation of a plant always leads to the appearance of microtraumas of leaves and aerial roots, even very careful. Also during the "travel" there is often additional stress in the form of temperature changes.
The green pet needs to create optimal living conditions close to natural, and give time to heal damage and adapt in general.
How long it will take is impossible to say for sure. You can target a period of 12 months. If the peduncles still haven't appeared, it's time to take action.
If the plant does not develop at all
If the plant has stopped developing as a whole, does not grow new leaves and, moreover, does not bloom, you should start with general care, check the conditions for keeping the plant. In the case of proper care, flowering stimulation is not needed at all.
Substrate
If wood bark is used as a substrate, then such material should not be fresh. It should also not contain fresh sawdust. Substances from such materials are detrimental to orchids.
Tree bark as a substrate.
In winter, the plant may stop growing and blooming due to life on a cold windowsill. If there is no other place for placement, you need to organize at least a stand.
IMPORTANT! In summer, the intensity of solar radiation is off scale and can even cause burns on the delicate leaves. Indeed, in its native tropics, the Phalaenopsis orchid grows in the dense undergrowth of the jungle, where there is no direct sunlight
To avoid such unpleasant consequences, it is worth protecting the plant with blinds or in any available way.
Lighting
In winter, when the daylight hours are short and dim, the orchid can "starve" because there is not enough sunlight for the full process of photosynthesis.
During this difficult period, a tropical plant needs additional lighting.
It is easy to organize using specialized phytolamps. These lighting devices emit a spectrum of light waves that are most favorable for the process of photosynthesis.
IMPORTANT! In summer, the intensity of solar radiation is off scale and can even cause burns on the delicate leaves. Indeed, in its native tropics, the Phalaenopsis orchid grows in the dense undergrowth of the jungle, where there is no direct sunlight
To avoid such unpleasant consequences, it is worth protecting the plant with blinds or in any available way.
Watering
Excessive watering will not bring any benefit, as well as extremely rare. When there is too much water, it can stagnate in the pot and rot can form on the roots. In this case, the exhausted plant has no chance of flowering.
Insufficient watering is not so harmful, it can even mimic the dry season in the tropics, but it should not be overused.
Determination of watering frequency.
Top dressing
When phalaenopsis is just starting to release new leaves, this is an excellent moment for feeding. Flower buds, from where peduncles will subsequently appear, are laid simultaneously with new leaves.
If such a moment is missed, and in addition the watering was incorrect, weak buds will be laid, which have nothing to please.
Diseases and pests
Keeping an orchid in a residential area carries risks of catching diseases or pests.
If phalaenopsis has not bloomed for 2 years or longer, it is quite possible that it is simply trying to survive under the onslaught of a spider mite, which sucks out all the juices.
It is useless to try to force the phalaenopsis to bloom in such a situation, first cure it.
External signs of readiness
You should not get attached to the time of year to determine when the phalaenopsis will bloom. A tropical miracle can bloom all year round, it comes from warm lands where there is no winter. One has only to organize suitable conditions for him.
Phalaenopsis age from the moment when the baby was put in a separate container must be at least two years old. The plant should gain strength and grow four to six large leaves and a large, strong root mass.
Healthy leaves
The plant is full of health. The color of the green mass is fresh, saturated. The leaves are shiny, with a pronounced turgor.
Strong healthy leaves.
The roots are normally green and clean, without dark spots. Many aerial roots. A clear, clean pot without green algae.