How Often Do Orchids Bloom? Plus, Expert Tips to Get More Flowers

Close-up of flowering phalaenopsis orchids in pots on white windowsill — Credit:
Alina Storozhenko / Getty Images

Key Points

Orchids can bloom more often and longer when you give them the right care and environment.
Different orchid types bloom on their own schedules, so choose varieties that naturally flower more than once a year.
Light, water, fertilizer, and even short cool periods all play a key role in triggering healthy, frequent blooms.

What's more beautiful than a delicate orchid in bloom? These popular plants are stunning when they flower, but sometimes it seems like they don't bloom long enough. If you are looking to increase the frequency of your orchid plant's blooms, consider these factors and tips from orchid experts.

Enid Offolter, author of Welcome to the Jungle: Rare Tropical Houseplants to Collect, Grow, and Love
Lee Miller, author of The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants, with over 40 years of experience with indoor plants

How Often Do Orchids Bloom?

Orchids generally bloom once or twice per year, but certain factors affect how often these plants flower.

Type of Orchid

It's estimated that there are over 25,000 orchid species in the world, and they don't all follow the same timetable when it comes to blooming. "Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) tends to bloom once or twice a year, while Dendrobium orchid can bloom multiple times, depending on the variety," says houseplant expert Lee Miller. Another type of orchid, Zygopetalum, blooms two to four times a year with long-lasting flowers that can stay for a month. If you want an orchid that blooms multiple times a year, do your research before bringing one home.

Growing Conditions

Your orchid's environment plays a big part in the blooming frequency. "One of the most important factors influencing orchid blooms is light, as adequate light is essential for the orchid to produce the energy needed to flower," says houseplant expert Enid Offolter. She says other critical factors include temperature fluctuations (especially a drop in night temperature), proper watering and humidity, and consistent fertilization." Meet the environmental needs of your orchid type to encourage more frequent blooming.

Plant Health

An unhealthy orchid will have a difficult time producing flowers. If it has a weakened root system or isn't receiving the appropriate amounts of light, water, and fertilizer, the plant won't be in optimal condition to bloom. Paying attention to your orchid's overall health is a fundamental part of enjoying frequent blooms. "As far as getting them to bloom, I find that feeding them with a balanced orchid fertilizer during the growing season and giving them a dormant period really helps," says Miller.

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How to Get Orchids to Bloom More Often

Consider these tips from our experts to get your orchid plant to bloom more often.

Optimize Light

As with any plant, light for photosynthesis is very necessary, but orchids can be particular about the amount of sunlight they want. "Orchids require bright, indirect sunlight to produce blooms," says Offolter. "Too little light will result in a healthy plant with lush leaves but no flowers. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves."

Water Properly

Aim to maintain a proper balance of water. "Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering stresses the plant and can cause it to drop buds," says Offolter. "It is best to water when the potting mix is nearly dry." Miller suggests using distilled water when giving orchids a drink.

Focus on Soil

High-quality soil is essential to the health of an orchid plant. "Orchids are not the easiest plants to get to bloom, but I have found that it is important to plant them in a well-draining medium with good aeration," says Miller, adding that she has had success with orchid bark.

Amend With Fertilizer

You may need to fertilize orchids more frequently than some other houseplants. "Orchids need specific nutrients, particularly phosphorus, to support flowering," adds Offolter. "Over-fertilizing, however, can burn the roots. A 'weakly, weekly' approach with a diluted orchid fertilizer is often recommended."

Provide a Cold Period

Some container plants require a cold period to remain prolific. Orchids are one of these. "A cold period can encourage orchids to bloom by mimicking their natural habitats and signaling the end of the growing season," says Offolter. "While not all orchids need a cold period, many species require a drop in temperature to trigger the growth of new flower spikes." Miller recommends placing your orchid on the windowsill at night in the fall for a few weeks when temperatures are dropping. She adds that this helps trigger more blooms.