Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: A Simple Guide
If you’ve ever owned an orchid, you know how magical it feels when it’s in full bloom. Those exotic, delicate flowers can light up a room and make you feel like a plant whisperer. But what happens after the flowers fade? Do you toss it out? Or do you just let it sit there, looking sad and bare? Let’s talk about orchid maintenance after flowering and maybe bloom again.
I’ve made a few mistakes along the way with my orchids, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned—the easy way, without all the fluff.
What Happens When an Orchid Stops Blooming?
First things first: It’s completely normal for orchids to stop blooming. They’re not dead; they’re just resting. After all, producing those stunning flowers takes a lot of energy. Once the blooms fall off, your orchid enters a dormant phase. Think of it like a nap—it’s gearing up for the next round.
Here’s what you’ll notice:
- The flowers will drop, one by one.
- The flower spike (that long stem the flowers were on) might turn brown or stay green.
- The leaves and roots will look the same, as long as the plant is healthy.
A. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Assess the Flower Spike
The flower spike is your orchid’s way of telling you what it needs. Take a close look:
- If the spike is green and healthy
- You have two options:
- Leave it alone. It might produce more flowers from the same spike.
- Cut it back slightly, just above a node (those little bumps on the spike). This can encourage a new branch and more blooms.
- You have two options:
- If the spike is turning brown and dry
- It’s done. Grab a clean pair of scissors or pruners and cut the spike all the way down to the base. Don’t worry—your orchid will grow a new spike when it’s ready.
B. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Check the Roots
Healthy roots are the lifeline of your orchid. Gently take the orchid out of its pot and look:
- Healthy roots are firm and green or white.

- Unhealthy roots are mushy, brown, or black.

Trim away any dead or damaged roots with sterilized scissors. If your orchid has lots of healthy roots, you’re in good shape. If not, don’t panic; it can still recover with some TLC.
C. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Repot
Orchids don’t need repotting very often, but the post-bloom phase is a good time to check if they’re overdue. Signs your orchid might need a new home include:

- The potting mix is breaking down and holding too much moisture.
- Roots are spilling out of the pot.
- You haven’t repotted it in over two years.
Use a fresh orchid mix (usually bark, moss, or a combination) and a pot with good drainage. Don’t use regular soil—orchids need airflow around their roots.
D. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Adjust Watering
Now that your orchid isn’t blooming, it needs less water. Overwatering during dormancy can lead to root rot, so scale back. A good rule of thumb is to water once a week or when the potting mix feels dry. If your orchid is potted in bark, it’ll dry out faster than one in moss, so adjust accordingly.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water and avoid letting water sit in the crown (the center of the plant). Nobody likes a soggy orchid.
E. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Feed Lightly
Even though it’s resting, your orchid still needs nutrients to stay healthy. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (look for one labeled 20-20-20 or similar) at half-strength every two to four weeks. During dormancy, less is more—you don’t want to overdo it.
F. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Provide Proper Light
Orchids love bright, indirect light. During the dormant phase, keep it in a spot where it gets plenty of light but no direct sun. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can prevent it from blooming again.
If you’re not sure about the light level, check the leaves:
- Bright green leaves mean the light is just right.
- Dark green leaves indicate that it is not getting enough light.
- Yellowish leaves mean it’s getting too much light.
G. Orchid Maintenance After Flowering: Be Patient
Here’s the hard part: waiting. Orchids don’t operate on a schedule. It might take a few months or even a year for your plant to bloom again. In the meantime, focus on keeping it healthy. Remember, a happy orchid will reward you with flowers when it’s ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering. This is the number-one killer of orchids. When in doubt, let it to dry out.
- Skipping fertilizer. Orchids need nutrients, even during dormancy. Just don’t overdo it.
- Ignoring the roots. Healthy roots are key. Check them regularly and trim any dead ones.
- Putting it in the wrong spot. Orchids are picky about light. Keep them in bright, indirect light for the best results.
- Giving up too soon. Orchids can be slow to rebloom, but they’re worth the wait. Don’t toss it just because it’s not flowering.
Why Take Care of Orchids After Flowering?
Orchids are an investment, both in time and money. With a little effort, you can enjoy blooms year after year. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your orchid spring back to life. It’s like a little reminder that patience and care pay off.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of orchids after they’ve finished blooming isn’t as daunting as it might seem. It’s all about giving them what they need: a little trim, a good soak, and plenty of patience. Before you know it, your orchid will be back in action, showing off its stunning flowers once again.
So, don’t toss that bare orchid. With the right care, it’ll reward you with another round of blooms. And believe me, it’s well worth the wait.
References
- American Orchid Society. “Basic Orchid Care.
- Royal Horticultural Society. “How to Care for Orchids.
- University of Florida Extension. “Orchid Care Basics.
- Orchid Society of Great Britain. “Orchid Maintenance and Care.