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Join us as we explore the secrets of nurturing a thriving indoor garden and embark on a journey of successful plant parenting together. Let's dive into some wonderful tips and tricks on how to get your orchids to flower like a pro, and be sure to follow our series of expert blogs!

How to Rebloom and Understand Why It is Growing Sideways.

Moth Orchids, also known as Phalaenopsis Orchids, are one of the most popular and easiest to find orchids in most retail outlets. They are most often in bloom upon purchase, and their flowers last a long time. However, these blooms have a lifespan and do not last forever.

Once the plant has lost its blooms, many people find it relatively unappealing and wish to get it to rebloom. This, on most occasions, will take a little while.

Orchids often take time to bloom due to the energy-intensive process of reflowering. These plants require sufficient energy reserves to produce blooms. Light, temperature, and humidity all have an impact on their growth cycle. They conserve energy for flowering during dormancy. If conditions are unfavourable, they may conserve energy by postponing flowering until they have accumulated enough resources to support the demanding blooming phase.

Encouraging your Moth orchid to reflower can be a rewarding experience if you have had an orchid that has not re-bloomed. Here are three simple tips to increase the likelihood of your orchid reblooming:

Give your Orchids good light.

To really encourage your Moth Orchid to bloom, it is a good idea to provide it with bright, indirect light. Even though these are often considered medium- to low light candidates, like Peace lilies, they will need good light, like most Orchids, to produce blooms. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, however, as this may cause the leaves to scorch, leaving unsightly marks.

If during the winter months you struggle with providing sufficient light, consider supplementing some of the plant's lighting needs with grow lights to encourage blooming. Increasing lighting needs can be as simple as moving your plant to a brighter location. 

Consider the temperature and make the necessary adjustments.

Before we get into the use of temperature to induce blooming, please keep in mind that most Moth Orchids naturally bloom in late Spring and Summer. Those found in bloom at other times of the year have been artificially induced to bloom. The Moth Orchid goes into dormancy during the winter, during which time they may begin to produce flower spikes, which can take several weeks to months to develop.

Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in temperatures ranging from 18 to 27°C during the day, with a slight drop to 16°C at night. Temperatures can drop by 15°C during the cooler months. This triggers the plant to begin flowering.

How to mimic the natural growing conditions for orchids.

Try wintering your orchid outside if you have a dry, protected, and well-lit outdoor space. Make sure it is not going to get too cold by placing it in a draughty area. Blooming should result from this. However, if your orchid has just finished blooming, give it time to rest and be sure to fertilise. Producing flowers takes a lot of energy from the plant

Make sure to fertilise

Use a balanced orchid fertiliser with a higher middle number (phosphorus), such as a Bloom boost, to promote flowering. Look for a formula specifically designed for orchids and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

During the growing season (spring to autumn), fertilise your Moth Orchid once every 2 to 4 weeks. Reduce or stop fertilisation during the winter months.

Remember that Phalaenopsis orchids are sensitive to changes in their environment. Avoid moving them around too often or subjecting them to drastic temperature fluctuations, as it can stress the plant and hinder flowering. With patience and consistent care, you can increase the likelihood of your Phalaenopsis orchid reblooming in the future.

For about fertilising, checkout : Houseplant fertilising Basics

Why is my Moth Orchid growing in the wrong direction?

Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on the sides of trees. Due to this, the plants tend to naturally navigate to a more sideways growth direction.

Water as the natural cause of your phalaenopsis growing sideways

Moth orchids do not like water sitting on their leaves; they naturally lean to one side to avoid this. This phenomenon is known as hydrotropism in the plant world.

Due to this, Moth Orchids are well suited to their natural habitat, which is typically the tree canopy or rocky outcrops in the Jungles of Asia. In these conditions, it is common for rainwater to pool on the leaves, which can be detrimental to the plant because it can encourage the growth of pathogens like fungi and bacteria.

To combat this, Phalaenopsis Orchids have adapted a growth habit that causes them to lean or tilt away from the water source as they grow. This makes it so that water does not collect on their leaves and instead runs off more quickly. 

When growing Phalaenopsis orchids in your home, it is essential to create an environment that is as close to their native habitat as possible. Avoid watering the leaves directly and instead focus on the roots and Orchid bark Mix. Avoiding water buildup on the plant's leaves is beneficial to the plant's health and reduces the likelihood of rot.

TIP: If you accidentally get water in the centre of the leaves, use a small piece of tissue to dab up as much excess moisture as possible.

How to fix a sideways Orchid

There could be a lighting imbalance

Orchids are phototropic, which means they grow in the direction of the light. If you place your orchid near a window or light source on one side, it may lean that way to get more light. To remedy this, rotate the orchid on a regular basis to ensure that all sides receive equal light exposure.

Uneven development

Moth orchids can produce new growth from the plant's base or crown. If new growth emerges from one side more than the other, it can lead to an uneven distribution of leaves, causing the plant to grow sideways. Again, rotating the orchid can help promote more balanced growth.

Uneven Watering or Potting Mix Compaction

Uneven watering or a compacted potting mix can cause root imbalance. If the roots on one side are stronger, the orchid may lean in that direction. To avoid waterlogged roots, water your orchid regularly and use a well-draining potting mix specially formulated for orchids, such as Orchid Bark.

We hope these pointers will prepare you for ultimate success, and have your Orchids blooming in no time. If you have any interesting facts or tips for us, feel free to share them below.

For more basic care tips, check out our Moth Orchid Care Instructions, here.

Happy growing!