Here at Merrifield Garden Center, our greenhouse is in bloom all year long. One of the most beloved for weddings, birthdays and holidays in general is the orchid. We have many varieties, including phalaenopsis, lady slipper, oncidium, dendrobium and more. Orchids bloom in various colors and patterns, are relatively low-maintenance and their blooms are long-lasting, enlivening any area of your home.
When getting your orchid to bloom again, we have a few key tips to ensure beautiful flowers from year to year. In this video, our houseplant expert Paul Knight will discuss temperature, fertilizer and light and offer suggestions in each of these categories to get your orchids reblooming reliably.
Have any more orchid questions? Give us a call at either of our locations, leave a comment on this video, or send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook @merrifieldgardencenter. You can find our contact information on merrifieldgardencenter.com.
Temperature Differential
Give your orchids a temperature differential from day to night of at least 10° F for 6 to 8 weeks.
Place your plant close to a window to achieve this temperature drop.
Check your orchid for slugs when you bring the orchid back inside if you chose to bring it outside.
Crack a window to ensure this difference in temperature if you keep your orchid indoors.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your orchid with a high phosphorus fertilizer such as Jack’s Classic Orchid Food. Phosphorus helps rooting and blooming.
Continuously feed your orchid with a high phosphorus fertilizer once a week. Or, you can fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks with a higher concentration of phosphorus, according to the label.
Flush your plant with plain water to help drain the substrate every 3 or 4 weeks.
Light
Give your orchid bright, indirect sunlight, which could be a few hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. If your orchid isn’t getting enough light, it won’t rebloom.
