Dendrobium orchids are one of the most popular types of orchids. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to do with dendrobium after flowering so that it will rebloom next year. Whether you’re a seasoned orchid enthusiast or a beginner, taking care of your dendrobium orchid after it has finished blooming is essential to ensure its continued health and beautiful blooms.

What to Do with Dendrobium After Flowering

Key Takeaways:

• Dendrobium orchids are a diverse genus known for their tall pseudobulbs and beautiful flower spikes.
• Identifying your specific dendrobium type is crucial for tailored care.
• During the flowering period, provide bright, indirect light, maintain temperature differentials, and water and fertilize as needed.
• After flowering, trim the flower spike, reduce watering, and fertilize less often during the rest phase.
• Repot your dendrobium orchid if the potting medium or root system demands it, typically during new growth.

Caring for Dendrobium Orchids During the Flowering Period

Dendrobium orchids typically bloom for 8 to 12 weeks. To ensure a successful flowering period, pay attention to the following:

• Lighting: Provide bright, indirect light during their flowering phase. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate blooms.
• Temperature: Maintain a temperature differential between day and night, simulating their natural habitat.
• Watering: Keep the potting medium slightly damp but not soggy. Watering frequency may vary depending on your specific dendrobium type and environmental conditions.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to nourish your orchid throughout its blooming stage.

Now, let’s move on to the critical post-flowering care steps.

A comprehensive guide on How To Care For Dormant Dendrobium Orchids?

What to Do with Dendrobium Orchids After Flowering

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into the essential measures you should take for your dendrobium orchid’s post-flowering care:

• Trim the peduncle: Remove the flower spike, but avoid cutting the stem completely. Nutrients accumulate in this part, which contributes to future growth and flowering. Treat the wounds with a mixture of charcoal and ground cinnamon to prevent infection.
• Maintain optimal conditions: After flowering, your orchid enters a period of rest. While it doesn’t require regular watering, it’s essential to maintain the right climate. Be cautious with fertilizers during this time.
• Fertilize strategically: Use fertilizers with high nitrogen content during active leaf and root growth periods. As flowering approaches, switch to fertilizers with higher phosphorus and potassium content.
• Watering: Dendrobium orchids enjoy moisture, particularly during the summer-spring period and the breeding season. Submersion is the preferred method of watering during the warm season but reduces watering during the dormant period. Only water when the substrate has dried completely.
• Fertilizer application: During periods of active growth and flowering, consider reducing or even skipping fertilizer application to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.

Basic Care Issues After Flowering: how long do dendrobium flowers last?

Caring for your dendrobium orchid after it has finished flowering is crucial to encourage it to bloom again. Typically, these orchids have a blooming period of 8 to 12 weeks, making them a favorite among amateur gardeners. The key factor to keep in mind during this post-flowering period is the difference between day and night temperatures.

Here are the initial steps to take after your orchid has bloomed:

• Stop watering: After flowering, your orchid needs less water. Reduce the frequency of watering to let it enter a brief resting phase.
• Remove the old peduncle: The flower spike that produced the blooms will not flower again. Trim it to encourage new growth.
• Adjust the temperature: Move your orchid to a cooler location to prepare it for the next blooming cycle. Avoid placing it in complete darkness, as it may go into a dormant state, halting growth.

If you want to know about How Long Do Cut Dendrobium Orchids Last?

How to Determine Whether an Orchid Needs Repotting after Flowering?

One of the crucial questions after your orchid has faded is whether it requires repotting. This decision depends on several factors:

• Soil condition: If the potting mix is breaking down or decomposing, it may be time to repot. Signs include crumbled bark pieces and soil that doesn’t dry out after watering.
• Condition of the above-ground part: If your orchid’s leaves and pseudobulbs appear healthy, repotting may not be necessary.
• Condition of the root system: A significant indicator is the condition of the roots. If they are overcrowded, damaged, or outgrowing the pot, it’s time to repot.

For orchids you’ve had for about a year, especially those purchased from a store, consider repotting them after they’ve finished flowering. Focus on the growth of pseudobulbs; when they reach around 10 cm in height, it’s an ideal time for repotting. The best time for a planned transplant is when new growth begins.

When Should a Planned Dendrobium Transplant Be Done?

Experts recommend conducting a planned transplant at the start of the growth phase. Pseudobulbs, which serve as storage organs for nutrients, are crucial for the growth of new shoots. It’s important to note that each pseudobulb typically blooms only once. If only the upper part of your orchid has flowered, proper care conditions can lead to flowering on another part of the plant. It’s generally not recommended to cut pseudobulbs, as it can be harmful.

Wait until the leaves start to fall and the pseudobulb begins to dry before considering cutting it. Only then should you remove the pseudobulb.

What to Do with Dendrobium Faded Pseudobulb after Flowering?

Faded pseudobulbs can be a concern for orchid growers. These storage organs play a vital role in nourishing new shoots and supporting growth. As mentioned earlier, each pseudobulb typically blooms only once. If the upper part of your orchid has bloomed and you’ve provided the right care conditions, you may be able to encourage flowering on another part of the plant.

Avoid cutting pseudobulbs unless they have started to dry and the leaves have fallen. Cutting too soon can be detrimental to the orchid.

Conclusion

Proper care of your dendrobium orchid after flowering is crucial to ensure its continued health and vibrant blooms. By identifying your orchid’s type and following the appropriate care guidelines during and after flowering, you can enjoy its beauty year after year. Remember that dendrobium orchids require a period of rest and adjusted care after blooming, so be patient and attentive to your orchid’s needs.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure the health and vitality of your dendrobium orchids, allowing them to grace your living space with their striking beauty for years to come.

Don’t forget to check out our other articles on orchid care and propagation to become a true orchid aficionado! If you find any discrepancies or have additional insights, please let us know in the comments. We’re committed to improving the quality of our content.