10 Essential Rest Periods for Orchids: How Long Each Variety Needs to Re-Bloom”

10 Essential Rest Periods for Orchids: How Long Each Variety Needs to Re-Bloom”

Have you ever bought a beautiful orchid from a supermarket and proudly placed it in your hall, only for it to capture everyone’s admiration? But then, after its initial bloom fades, it doesn’t flower again for months, leaving you puzzled and searching for answers? Many new orchid owners face this dilemma, not realizing that the key to consistent blooming lies in understanding and providing the necessary rest periods for each orchid variety.

Orchids, despite their resilience and beauty, require specific care during their rest periods to recharge and prepare for their next bloom. In this guide, we’ll uncover the essential rest periods for ten popular orchid types, explaining how long each variety needs to rest and what care adjustments you should make. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this information will help you unlock the secrets to getting your orchids to bloom beautifully and regularly.

what is dormancy in orchids

Dormancy in orchids is a natural phase of rest and rejuvenation that occurs between blooming cycles. During this period, the plant temporarily slows down its growth and conserves energy, allowing it to recover from the demands of flowering. Dormancy can be recognized by the absence of blooms, with the orchid’s

leaves and stems often appearing less vibrant and slightly wilted. This phase is crucial for the plant’s health, as it prepares the orchid to produce new flowers in the next blooming season. Understanding and respecting this dormant period is essential for ensuring the long-term vitality and blooming success of your orchid.

Dendrobium Nobile:

Rest: Dendrobium Nobile orchids need a cool, dry rest period during the winter months. This phase is essential for encouraging blooming in the spring.

Care: Reduce watering significantly and stop fertilizing to allow the plant to rest properly. Ensure the plant is kept in a cooler environment to simulate its natural dormancy period.

Tip : don’t keep orchids near window during winter

Dendrobium Phalaenopsis:

Rest: These hybrids benefit from a shorter rest period compared to Dendrobium Nobile, typically during the cooler months.

Care: Reduce watering slightly and refrain from fertilizing during this period. They generally need less of a rest period but still require reduced care to prepare for their next bloom.

Catasetum Orchids

Rest: Catasetum orchids enter a pronounced rest period during winter, characterized by leaf drop and dormancy.

Care: Stop all watering completely until new growth emerges in the spring. This complete cessation of water helps the plant conserve energy for the next growing cycle.

Cymbidium Orchids

Rest: Cymbidium orchids benefit from a cool, dry rest period in the fall to help out to trigger their blooming process.

Care: Reduce watering and lower temperatures to simulate a seasonal change. These orchids can handle cooler conditions and may benefit from a nighttime temperature drop to encourage blooming.

Lycaste Orchids

Rest: Lycaste species, especially those from higher elevations, need a cool and dry rest period after blooming.

Care: Cut back on watering and stop fertilizing to help the plant rest and prepare for its next bloom cycle. This period allows the plant to rejuvenate and set the stage for future blooms.

Miltoniopsis Orchids

Rest: Also known as “Pansy Orchids,” Miltoniopsis orchids generally prefer consistent humidity and cooler temperatures year-round but may need a brief rest period during the winter.

Care: During this rest period, reduce watering slightly. Despite their need for constant humidity, less water helps the plant prepare for its next blooming phase.

Oncidium Orchids

Rest: Some Oncidium species, particularly those from higher elevations, benefit from a brief rest period after flowering.

Care: During this rest period, reduce both watering and fertilization to allow the plant to recuperate. This helps in setting the stage for the next blooming cycle.

Zygopetalum Orchids

Rest: Zygopetalum orchids appreciate a rest period with reduced watering after blooming.

Care: Cut back on watering to help the plant prepare for its next blooming cycle. Avoid complete dryness but ensure the plant is not overwatered during this time.

Cattleya Orchids

Rest: Many Cattleya species and hybrids require a rest period after blooming to help trigger the next blooming cycle.

Handle with care: Let the plant dry out more in between waterings. This dry spell helps to revitalise the plant and encourage more blooms in the future.

Encyclia Orchids

Rest: Encyclia orchids typically enter a dormancy period after blooming.

Care: Reduce watering during this phase but avoid letting the plant dry out completely. Proper moisture levels are crucial to support the plant’s health during dormancy.

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Rest: While Phalaenopsis orchids generally do not require a strict rest period, a slight reduction in water and a nighttime temperature drop in the fall can encourage blooming.

Care: Slightly reduce watering and provide a drop in nighttime temperatures to simulate seasonal changes. This helps to trigger the blooming process and maintain the plant’s health.

General Care Tips During Rest Periods:

Watering: Reduce watering significantly, depending on the species’ needs. Some orchids, like Catasetums, require complete cessation of watering.

Fertilisation: During the rest period, stop fertilizing. Temperature: If the species requires it, provide a colder habitat. A temperature dip at night can frequently aid in the initiation of flowering

Light: Maintain adequate light, but be mindful that orchids in a rest period generally require less intense light than when actively growing.

By adjusting your care routine to accommodate these rest periods, you can help ensure your orchids bloom successfully in their next cycle.
How many months or days 6 to 9 months

The length of the rest period for orchids can vary depending on the species, but here’s a general guideline for how long you should let different orchid varieties rest:

Important Notes:

The rest period should start after the orchid finishes blooming or shows signs of going into dormancy (like losing leaves or slowing growth).

During the rest period, keep an eye on the orchid. If new growth starts to appear, it’s time to resume regular watering and fertilization.

Ensure that the orchid is still getting adequate light, even during its rest period, to maintain its health.

Adjusting the rest period based on the specific needs of your orchid species will help it conserve energy and prepare for its next blooming cycle.

FAQs on Orchid Dormancy