Orchid Care: After bloom care for Orchids

by http://www.orchid-care.info
in Outdoors (submitted 2010-07-08)


Orchids are as touchy as they are elegant. Orchid care requires patience combined with a few tips . This article clarifies how to care for an orchid after it has bloomed.
Orchids are at their most beautiful when they are in bloom , but unfortunately it doesn't last a long time and after bloom care for orchids is a question I am often asked. The main question I am asked is How to care for orchids. Most importantly, how do I care for the orchid after its bloomed, and how do I make sure it blooms next time . Whether we are taking care of a phalaenopsis orchid, or a dendrobium orchid or cymbidium orchids,the process is the same.
Once the bloom has passed on (we are trying to be sympathetic here) cut the flower stalk about one inch from the base with a very sharp knife or pair of scissors . Some people are concerned with disease at this point, if you like feel free to treat the cut section with some rubbing alcohol. Many think that cutting the stalk this low is a mistake but this will ensure that the next bloom is as close as possible to the first in size and beauty .
The next step is to review the root system. To do this I will always take out the plant from its pot to make sure it is still spreading roots and is in good health . No beatiful blooms will come from a plant with a sick root system. The roots need to be healthy so make sure everything looks ok and the orchid is taking on water. Without this you will get very few blooms.
So remove the plant from the pot. Look very close. If you find black or brown mushy root, remove them - all of them. If the roots are white, off-white and green you are okay... as is the plant. This part of orchid care is critical.
There's no telling how long the orchid has been in that mix so it would be a good time to repot . As for the green-gray external roots hanging out of the pot, tuck them inside the pot. If they are too long for the pot, trim them carefully down to size. Just so you know , external roots are not necessarily indicative of an orchid that needs repotting, but rather simply the nature of the plant. This is all a part of getting familiar with your orchid .
Once you get to this stage , simply take care of your orchid as you normally would and wait until it blooms again and simply enjoy the splendor . Orchid care can be fun and very rewarding. Enjoy.


About the Author
A site for real information about orchid care. Whether its phalaenopsis orchids, cymbidium orchids, or a dendrobium orchid, learn how to care for orchids, one of the world's most elegant flowers.