How long to rebloom (or do anything) after repotting? - Orchid Board

sweetlouisiana · #1 07-09-2014, 09:49 AM

I have 3 orchids I repotted after they were finished blooming, which seems to be the advice available everywhere. I repotted them because they were in moss, and it was starting to look really gross and spent up. Also, I read that they should really be in orchid bark instead of moss. However, since they've been repotted, they haven't really done anything...no new leaves, spikes, buds, anything. Is that normal? Thanks!

Ray · #2 07-09-2014, 09:55 AM

The first thing that should happen after repotting is the growth of new roots optimized for the new environment. Try your best to keep the humidity up, and be patient.

Ray Barkalow (via Tapatalk)

Paul Mc · #3 07-09-2014, 09:56 AM

My first question is what type of orchids do you have? Phalaenopsis is my guess, but always good to make sure.

Some orchids can be grown in moss, but you should be aware that roots adapt to their environment as they grow, not after the fact. So roots grown in moss may have a hard time adapting to a bark mix due to less available moisture. Hence, it may be focusing more on the roots right now as opposed to leaf growth and bloom spikes.

At this time of year, most orchids should be actively growing (roots and leaves), but when it will bloom again depends upon what type of orchids you have. Most Phals bloom once a year, but there are exceptions.

Paul Mc · #4 07-09-2014, 09:57 AM

Looks like Ray and I were on the same page, lol...

sweetlouisiana · #5 07-09-2014, 10:03 AM

I think they most probably are phals...they look like them based on pictures I've seen. One is from Home Depot; one is from Lowe's; and one is from Whole Foods.

Thanks for the quick replies! I just went back and examined them more closely. On 2 of them, even though they don't look different, I think they are growing new roots. I can't see them, but I gently pulled on the plants, and they seem a lot more secure in the mix than they were before. When I first repotted them, it was hard to get them to not fall over in the mix...So I guess those are good signs!

Ray · #6 07-09-2014, 10:11 AM

And to answer the "how long" part - it depends upon the type of plant, it's maturity, and the overall Growing conditions.

Ray Barkalow (via Tapatalk)

Paul Mc · #7 07-09-2014, 11:02 AM

If they are Phals and given the locations you bought them at, I would venture a guess that they would bloom only once a year given proper conditions and care. Generally speaking, they tend to bloom between spring and summer, but there are exceptions. If you bought them earlier this year or late last year, given good care and proper conditions then they will bloom in their next natural cycle. If they were bought out of season (forced to bloom), then they may skip a year as they build up the needed energy to produce the flowers.

On a side note, I have about 15 Phals. Some years they almost all bloom and other years not so much, but I keep trying. Short and skinny of it is proper care and conditions, and if they don't bloom then adjust and learn. I adjusted last year and all of my mature Phals bloomed with 3 exceptions.

RandomGemini · #8 07-09-2014, 01:34 PM

My other question is... how long ago did you buy them and when did you repot them?

If you JUST repotted them, then no, they will not bloom again this year. You should see growth within a month or so of repotting.

Newbie orchid growers can be impatient to see new growth and orchids are not a fast growing plant. I know, I was there a year ago. I'm still pretty new at this, but one thing I can tell you, patience is key with this hobby.

sweetlouisiana · #9 07-09-2014, 02:34 PM

Orchid 1: Purchased about a year ago from Lowe's. Bloomed a couple of months. Repotted about 4 months ago. Aside from being more secure in the bark, no signs of growth.

Orchid 2: Purchased March 2013. Bloomed for about 3 or 4 months. Repotted about 4 months ago. The leaves were getting leathery looking. Noticed recently a tiny little sprout of a new leaf.

Orchid 3: Purchased August 2013. Bloomed for about 2 months. Repotted about 4 months ago. No signs of growth at all. It's just hanging out.

tarev · #10 07-09-2014, 08:11 PM

They just take their sweet time...they will start growing something new, when it is ready. In the meantime, just continue providing water as needed and good air circulation, fertilize lightly..and keep your patience cap on.

But from what I have seen with my Phals,after they bloom, it seems to just keep quiet for awhile, like for about 2 to 3 months, or longer if you disturb the roots or did some repotting. It will acclimate again and eventually I see a new root or a new leaf. Or along the way, it may also drop first an old leaf before it gives way to a new growth. I only see a new spike when temps starts to go cooler during Fall or early winter here.

I do have one noid mini Phal that has adjusted well here indoors, whether I disturb the roots or not, as long as it rests it is now annually blooming around Spring and blooms lasting for about 4 to 5 months. But the others, just have to wait and nurture.