Orchids can be a bit of a mystery. Their blooms are stunning—and then suddenly, they’re gone. The good news? With the right care, your orchid can bloom again and again.
Whether you received one as a gift or picked one up during a houseplant shopping spree, don’t give up just because the flowers have fallen off. Here’s everything you need to know about orchid care and how to encourage those beautiful blooms to return.
🌿 Quick Orchid Care Checklist:
Use the right potting mix (bark, moss, or perlite)
Provide plenty of humidity
Likes being near a bright window (east or south-facing in Providence)
Use a fertilizer made for orchids
Know when and how to trim the stem
Identify new growth correctly (is it a root or a new stem?)
Why did my orchid stop blooming?
Orchids naturally go through a blooming cycle, and after several weeks or months, the flowers will drop. This doesn’t mean your plant is dying! It’s simply entering a rest phase. With proper care, it will bloom again.
What type of environment does an orchid need?
Orchids need a few key things to thrive indoors:
Light: Place your orchid in a spot with bright, indirect light. In Providence, RI, an east or south-facing window is ideal.
Humidity: Orchids love a humid environment. Try placing your orchid pot on top of a tray filled with pebbles or shells and a little water. This will create a humid microclimate as the water evaporates.
Potting mix: Avoid standard potting soil. Instead, use fir bark, peat moss, or perlite—anything that allows for airflow and quick drainage around the roots.
Drainage: Make sure your orchid pot has holes to allow water to drain completely. Soggy roots can cause rot.
Should I fertilize my orchid?
Yes! To encourage new blooms, use an orchid-specific fertilizer. Fertilize lightly—usually every 2 to 4 weeks—during the growing season. Just remember: no fertilizer during the resting phase.
What should I do with the stem after the blooms fall off?
If the stem remains green and healthy, leave it alone—new buds may form on it. Keep caring for your orchid as usual, and watch for signs of growth.
If the stem starts turning brown and drying out from the top down, it won’t rebloom. In that case, trim it down to the base to allow the plant to redirect energy to new growth.
Something is growing from the leaves. Is it a root or a new stem?
Great question! Orchids can sprout both roots and stems from between their leaves. Here’s how to tell the difference:
White tip: It’s a root (totally normal!)
Green tip: It’s a new flower spike - and future blooms are on the way!
Do orchids grow well in Rhode Island?
Yes! Providence is located in USDA Zone 6, which has a relatively orchid-friendly climate—especially indoors. With the right light and humidity setup, your orchid can thrive and bloom year after year.
Still Have Questions?
Stop by our flower shop on Hope Street in Providence! Whether you need help identifying what’s growing from your orchid, choosing the right fertilizer, or picking out your next houseplant, we’re always happy to chat plants. You can also shop our houseplants online with local delivery available.
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