Why do orchid flowers fall off?

Orchids are plants that bloom in spring

We are not going to fool ourselves: the most beautiful thing about orchids are their flowers. For this reason, they are grown and marketed in many parts of the world, and for this reason there are many of us who have ever had a specimen, and / or who currently have one in the bathroom or in the garden for example.

But Why do orchid flowers fall off? Sometimes, we can be convinced that we provide them with all the care they need until one day, for no apparent reason, they run out of them. What to do to make them bloom again? Let’s see it in detail.

What are the causes?

Orchids can stop blooming at any time

There are several possible reasons why orchid flowers drop, and they are as follows:

  • The flowers have reached the end of their life: this is a cause that should not worry us at all. All parts of a plant have their own lifespan, and the flowers are one of those that last the shortest compared to the length of the leaves. In fact, the normal thing is that after one to three months they wither.
  • Very low temperatures or, on the contrary, very high: Orchids are plants that, in general, are native to humid tropical forests, where temperatures remain stable around 18-28ºC. If exposed to values ​​lower or higher than those, the flowers will drop prematurely.
  • Low ambient humidity: as they are plants of humid tropical forests, when they are cultivated in very dry environments they have problems to bloom normally.
  • Excess or lack of irrigation: when more water is added and more frequently than necessary, or if irrigation is neglected instead, the flowers will not be able to receive the amount of water they require.
  • Excess fertilizer or inadequate fertilizer: whether you fertilize more than what is indicated on the packaging or if you use a fertilizer that is not suitable for orchids, they will have a hard time.
  • Inadequate irrigation water: if you use hard water, with a lot of lime, the flowers will fall.
  • They are sick: some fungi, bacteria and / or viruses can affect orchids, such as phytophthora for example, which damages the roots. If they manage to infect the plants, they will abort their flowers.

How to prevent my orchid from dropping the flowers?

Orchids are sensitive to cold

To prevent orchids from dropping their flowers before the end of the season, it is very important to care for them properly. For that, you have to make sure that they do not lack anything, but also that they do not have any excess. So below we will explain in depth everything you have to do so that you can enjoy the beauty of the petals of our protagonists for a longer time:

Cut off the withered flowers

The flowers that are drying, in addition to making the plant look ugly, can become the focus of infections or pests. So if your plants present some, The first thing you have to do is cut them using household scissors they are clean.

Protect them from excessive heat / cold

And also from sudden changes in temperature. If frosts occur in your area every winter, for example, grow them in a domestic greenhouse, or inside the house. In the event that you choose to have them at home, you need to keep them away from drafts.

Put humidifiers or containers with water

Regardless of whether you have your plant in the yard or indoors, if the humidity is low, it is necessary to put it near a humidifier, or at least place containers with water around it so that it grows better. In this way, you will make your flowers last longer.

We do not recommend spraying / spraying its leaves with water since its leaves could rot, especially if it is done during the winter.

Don’t over water

Now, we know: with this we are not telling you anything. But is that the frequency of irrigation will be determined by the weather, where you have the orchid (exterior or interior), and the plant itself. For example, epiphytic orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, are plants that are grown in transparent plastic pots. Thanks to this, you can see when they need water, since you will only have to look at their roots: if they are white, then you will have to water.

On the other hand, terrestrial ones, or in general those that are grown in colored plastic pots, will need moderate watering. In principle, they will be watered about 2 times a week if it is summer, while during the winter they will be watered less.

Do not forget to use rainwater as clean and pure as possible. If you can’t get it, use the one from the tap but first let it sit overnight so that the heavy metals remain at the bottom.

Use specific fertilizers for orchids

Orchids blooming in spring

You can fertilize your orchids during the spring and summer so that they can grow well, and incidentally, produce their magnificent flowers. Now, it is necessary to use specific fertilizers for these plants (you can get them here!), as otherwise we could cause damage to your roots. In addition, it is important that the instructions for use are followed, for the same reason.

Treat them if they are sick

When we talk about orchid diseases, it is inevitable to also talk about irrigation. And it is that, when they are watered in excess and / or their leaves are sprayed or sprayed frequently, it is when they are most at risk of getting sick, since fungi enjoy in humid environments.

For this reason, If you see that they have dark colored roots (brown or black), and / or brown or gray spots on the leaves, you will have to treat them with fungicidefollowing the instructions for use. You can buy it here!.

Has it served you? We hope these tips help your orchids bloom again and for longer.

Why do orchid flowers fall off?

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