Orchids are undeniably beautiful flowers that exude an exotic and tropical allure. Their popularity is evident, as you can find them readily available in grocery stores across the nation. Despite their sophisticated appearance, orchids are surprisingly easy to care for, needing just weekly watering and the right amount of light.

However, the challenge begins once those stunning blooms fade. Orchids can look healthy, but refuse to grow a flower stalk for years. You might find yourself asking: do Phalaenopsis orchids rebloom?

The Reblooming Mystery

At first, my orchids seemed stubbornly resistant to reblooming. I followed the basics — watering them regularly, fertilizing them, and moving them around the house to find the perfect window. Yet, nothing seemed to work. Then, one day, two beautiful new flowers appeared on my second-oldest orchid plant.

What was different? I had recently moved them to a west-facing window. There, they were getting bright indirect light for most of the day, with just a little bit of direct sunlight in the late afternoon. That bright mostly-filtered light was the thing they had been missing.

Understanding the natural habitat of Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as "Moth Orchids," are epiphytes. This means they grow on other plants, typically big leafy trees that filter sunlight. Their native habitats are in regions like Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and Australia, where the climate is warm and humid.^[source]

To keep orchids thriving, it’s essential to mimic their natural environment: providing bright, filtered light and the right humidity levels. You can maintain humidity through weekly watering and placing the pot on a gravel bed filled with water. While orchids might get a bit dry during the winter months (don’t we all?), they usually bounce back once conditions improve.

Mastering Light Levels for Orchid Blooms

The trickiest part of orchid care is getting the light just right. Many guides suggest indirect light, but not all indirect light is created equal.

When I first started caring for orchids, I had only a north-facing window. Although it provided indirect light, it wasn’t strong enough to encourage blooming. My orchids remained healthy but flowerless.

After moving to a new place, I placed my orchids in a south-facing window. Unfortunately, the direct light was too intense, causing the edges of the leaves to turn brown from sunburn. Too much light can be just as detrimental as too little.

Finally, I settled my three Phalaenopsis orchids in a west-facing window. Here, they receive a bit of direct light in the late afternoon, filtered through the shade of several trees. This balance of light was perfect. Now, both of my older orchid plants have started growing flower stalks!

In summation

Getting Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom can be a delicate balance of light, water, and temperature. For me, finding the right light was the breakthrough. If you’re struggling to get your orchids to rebloom, consider experimenting with different light exposures in your home. With patience and a bit of trial and error, you too can enjoy the beauty of reblooming orchids.