The orchid, a plant of tropical origin, brings a touch of elegance and freshness to any home. With its colorful flowers resembling butterflies, the orchid has become a popular indoor plant. However, this plant has a unique flowering process that requires special care. At the florist or even the supermarket, it might seem like it’s always orchid season, but orchids do not bloom all year round. The most common variety sold, the phalaenopsis or butterfly orchid, blooms only in spring and summer, not in the cold of winter.
So, if you find an orchid in bloom during winter, it’s likely been artificially flowered, disrupting its natural vegetative cycle. But can you keep an orchid blooming through winter? The answer is yes, though it’s best to allow the orchid to go through its natural rest period after blooming.
What to Do to Keep the Orchid Blooming in Winter?
Here’s how you can help your orchid bloom through the cold months while taking special care to support its growth until spring.
1. Keep Her Warm
The orchid thrives in warm temperatures and needs a bright environment to flourish. To help the orchid bloom in winter, it should be kept at a temperature no lower than 21-22°C. A warm setting will prevent the flowers from fading prematurely due to the winter chill. Additionally, ensure the orchid gets indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can harm it, but too little light can prevent it from flowering. The best location for an orchid is a windowsill with opaque glass or a filtering curtain to provide balanced light exposure.
2. Fertilize It
Generally, orchids are not fertilized in winter. However, to artificially flower the orchid in this cold period, you can continue fertilizing it as you would in warmer months. Use a fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to encourage extended blooming. If the flowers fade after a few weeks, don’t panic. Simply cut the stems where the flowers have wilted, and place the plant in a cool space for about two weeks, reducing watering. After this period, move it back to its usual spot, and a new stem should eventually emerge.
3. Water it Frequently
Orchids need to be watered regularly, but be cautious not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. The ideal method of watering is immersion—place the orchid in a sink or basin full of water for 20-30 minutes, allowing it to absorb the water it needs. Afterward, make sure to drain the excess water so it doesn’t stagnate at the bottom of the pot. You can also spray a little water on the orchid’s leaves and roots for moisture. Water the orchid when the soil feels dry and hard, indicating it’s time for a drink.
4. Keep Humidity High
One of the best care tips for orchids year-round is maintaining a high ambient humidity (between 60% and 80%). As a tropical plant, orchids thrive in humid environments. To ensure the best conditions, consider placing your orchid in the bathroom, where the air is naturally more humid. If humidity is too low, the orchid may suffer from problems with its leaves or roots.
Consequences and Advice
It’s important to note that when you encourage an orchid to bloom in winter, its vegetative cycle is altered. This can stress the plant, as its natural rest period is shortened. For the orchid’s long-term health, it’s always best to allow it to follow its natural cycle, blooming at the appropriate times according to the seasons.
By following these tips and giving your orchid the warmth, light, humidity, and care it needs, you can help it bloom beautifully, even through the cold of winter.
