Plant care guide
How to Get a Phalaenopsis Orchid to Rebloom
Updated
What does an Orchid need to flower?
A moth orchid reblooms when it is healthy, has stored enough energy from good light, and gets its flowering cue. For most large-flowered Phalaenopsis that cue is cooler autumn nights, with nights falling into the 10–16 °C (50s–60s °F) range.
What to do first
Give the plant an east window or a shaded south or west window. In autumn, let night temperatures drop for several weeks and keep days below about 28 °C (82 °F). Watch for a new spike.
A moth orchid that has not flowered since you bought it is usually missing one condition, not failing. The American Orchid Society groups the reasons into three: the plant’s health, enough stored energy, and the right blooming cue. Check each in turn.
1. Light: Enough Energy to Flower
The American Orchid Society explains that a plant without enough light cannot make enough carbohydrates for both growth and flowering. It calls Phalaenopsis a low to medium light orchid. Suitable spots are a north, east or west window or a shaded south window.
NC State Extension names an east windowsill as the best placement. Well-shaded west and south windows also work. Iowa State University Extension adds that direct sun may harm the foliage.
Read the leaves:
- Dark green leaves: too little light. The AOS explains the plant makes more chlorophyll to capture what light it has. University of Maryland Extension also links dark, stiff leaves to low light.
- Light green leaves: UMD describes these as a sign of adequate light.
- Pink or reddish leaf margins: UMD links this to too much light.
2. The Temperature Cue
For most Phalaenopsis, the cue is a bigger gap between day and night temperatures. The AOS says this usually comes in autumn, when nights drop into the 10–16 °C (50s and 60s °F).
Other extension guidance is consistent:
| Source | What it recommends |
|---|---|
| Iowa State Extension | Several weeks of a 6–8 °C (10–15 °F) night-time drop, ideally to 13–18 °C (55–65 °F) |
| NC State Extension | Large-flowered white spring bloomers need a night chill near 13 °C (55 °F) for a week in autumn |
| University of Maryland Extension | Let plants experience cooler autumn nights; bring them in when evenings dip into the 50s °F (about 10–15 °C) |
A room that stays warm all night, or a spot beside a heater, removes the cue.
3. Heat Can Block Flowering
Warmth matters as much as the chill. The AOS says Phalaenopsis will not flower if day temperatures exceed 28 °C (82 °F).
The AOS article on Phalaenopsis that will not bloom adds detail. Daytime highs above the low 80s °F (27–28.8 °C) may stop a developing spike. Nights above the mid-70s °F (23.3–24.4 °C) may prevent spikes from starting.
Not Every Phalaenopsis Needs a Chill
NC State notes that modern dwarf hybrids, bred from summer-flowering species, do not need a cool chill. The AOS describes “novelty” Phalaenopsis that often flower in warm summer months. Give these light and warmth, and they flower when they have built enough reserves.
If your plant is a compact novelty type, focus on light and health rather than cold nights.
Feeding and Health
NC State recommends a balanced fertiliser twice monthly at half strength, or weekly at quarter strength. UMD suggests feeding actively growing plants every third or fourth watering and skipping winter feeding.
Health comes before flowers. Firm leaves and plump roots tell you the plant can afford to bloom. Wrinkled leaves or poor roots point to a root problem to fix first; see orchid wrinkled leaves.
What to Do With the Old Spike
Sources differ slightly, so choose based on the plant’s condition:
- For a second flush: the AOS advises cutting above the second node on the spike, below any brown or dead section. NC State suggests just above the first node below the faded flowers. Either may branch, but not always.
- For a stronger next bloom: the AOS notes that a second flowering may stress the plant and is often smaller. Cutting the spike back to the base gives it a chance to recover. Clemson Extension also suggests pruning the spike to the level of the leaves.
A brown, dry spike will not rebloom from its dead section.
How Long to Wait
Clemson Cooperative Extension says a properly cared-for plant will produce a strong flower spike within a year. NC State says moth orchids flower repeatedly once a year with proper care.
One surprise: NC State notes that blue or other dyed flowers are artificially coloured. If the plant reblooms, the new flowers will be white.
More care topics are on our orchid hub.
Related guides
Other orchid problems we cover: moldy soil treatment, moss vs bark, bud blast, mealybugs, root rot.
References
- American Orchid Society: Why won’t my orchid re-bloom?
- American Orchid Society: Why Will It Not Bloom, Part 2: Phalaenopsis (Ron McHatton)
- American Orchid Society: Where do I cut the flower spike when it is finished?
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Phalaenopsis
- Iowa State University Extension: Yard and Garden, Growing Moth Orchids at Home (2023)
- University of Maryland Extension: Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: General Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids (2020)
How this guide was put together: American Orchid Society, NC State Extension, Iowa State University Extension, University of Maryland Extension and Clemson Cooperative Extension guidance.