Do you water an orchid after the flowers fall off?

It’s a common misconception that once an orchid’s flowers fall off, you should stop watering it. However, this is not the case. Orchids still require regular watering even when they are not in bloom. Continuing to water your orchid is essential for its overall health and future blooming.

When the flowers of an orchid wilt and drop off, it may seem like the plant is entering a dormant phase or going into hibernation. However, orchids are actually evergreen plants, meaning they are meant to have leaves and roots year-round. Therefore, they still need water to survive and grow properly.

To water your orchid after the flowers fall off, a good rule of thumb is to use three ice cubes (one ice cube for orchid minis) and place them on the potting medium. This slow and gradual watering method allows the orchid’s roots to absorb the water as it melts, preventing overwatering and root rot.

It’s important to note that the frequency of watering can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the type of orchid you have. However, as a general guideline, watering your orchid with three ice cubes (or one ice cube for minis) once a week is a good starting point.

To ensure you don’t forget your orchid’s watering day, I recommend signing up for our orchid care watering reminders. These reminders can be delivered to your email or phone, helping you stay on top of your orchid’s watering schedule.

Remember, even though your orchid may not have its beautiful blooms anymore, it still needs your care and attention. By continuing to water it regularly, you are providing the necessary moisture for its overall well-being and future blooming.

In my personal experience, I have found that consistently watering my orchids even when they are not in bloom has resulted in healthier plants and more frequent blooming. It’s always a joy to see new buds forming and the reappearance of vibrant flowers. So don’t neglect watering your orchid just because it’s not blooming at the moment!

To summarize:
– Watering your orchid after the flowers fall off is crucial for its health and future blooming.
– Use three ice cubes (or one ice cube for orchid minis) once a week to water your orchid gradually.
– Factors like temperature, humidity, and orchid type can influence the frequency of watering.
– Sign up for orchid care watering reminders to stay on track with your watering schedule.
– Remember that your orchid is evergreen and needs regular water to thrive.
– Consistent watering can lead to healthier plants and more frequent blooming.

I hope this detailed explanation helps you understand the importance of watering your orchid even after its flowers fall off. Happy orchid care!

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.