My orchids have finished flowering for the year and spent summer pouring their energy into root and foliage growth before the next bloom cycle begins. To help them reliably rebloom in spring, and even encourage earlier blooming, there’s always one thing I do in September: move my orchids somewhere cooler.
Moth orchids, or Phalaenopsis, are the most common indoor orchid to grow (take a look at The Sill’s collection of moth orchids). Their flower buds typically open in spring but they first require cool nights in fall to trigger new flower spikes, replicating what happens in their natural tropical habitat. The problem is in the warm shelter of our homes orchids don’t always experience this cold exposure, which can explain why you may have previously struggled to get an orchid to rebloom. By simply relocating your orchid to a cooler spot in the house in September you can encourage the growth of new flower spikes, resulting in blooms as early as late winter.
But, there a few warnings that come with this September orchid trick. You need to place your orchid in a spot with optimal cool temperatures and then know when to relocate it somewhere warmer again, otherwise you risk bud drop. Here, with the help of a houseplant expert, I talk through everything you need to know.
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Why Move Orchids Somewhere Cooler?
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In their native habitat of tropical and subtropical rainforests across Asia, New Guinea, and northern Australia, moth orchids experience a significant temperature change as summer turns to fall – it typically drops to 55-65°F at night for several weeks.
This signals to the plant to start growing a new flower spike for spring blooming.
‘Since most orchids are kept indoors, the temperature change that comes with fall isn’t as noticeable. You’re giving it enough of a temperature change that it recognizes fall and starts preparing a flower spike,’ explains Adrian Aviles, houseplant expert and owner of Athletic Club Flower Shop.
This is especially true if you have consistent heating on through fall and winter. It can result in delayed blooming or a lack of blooms in spring.
That’s why placing your orchid in a cooler spot of the home this month can help replicate these natural conditions. Having a room thermometer (like this from Walmart) to hand can help you find the perfect location.
Adrian Aviles is the owner of Athletic Club Flower Shop in Downtown Los Angeles, which has been around since 1916. Adrian’s passion for flowers began when his late mother ran a floral design program, which he helped to source the flowers for. He then took over the historic Athletic Club Flower Shop in 2004 at the age of 24. The store’s designer’s create beautiful arrangements for all occasions.
Where to Move Orchids
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This September orchid trick for earlier reblooming requires a careful approach, as simply taking your orchid off a sunny windowsill and putting in the path of a draft could shock and cause stress, stunting growth altogether.
‘I recommend moving the orchid to a room that naturally has a bigger difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. A bright room that cools down a little in the evening is usually a good option,’ Adrian suggests.
‘I would avoid keeping them by the AC or heater. Direct hot or cold air isn’t beneficial. Try to find a room with a balance between light and a cooler evening temperature. I wouldn’t put it in a dark room just because it gets colder at night,’ he continues.
While cooler temperatures will help trigger the growth of a new flower spike, it is important not to neglect your orchid’s other needs. For example, bright light is still required to ensure essential processes like photosynthesis continue. Likewise, don’t forget to increase humidity for these indoor plants, especially in the often drier air of fall. You can use this pebble humidity tray from Amazon, for example.
This 4-in-1 plant meter on Amazon can help monitor the temperature for your orchid. You’re looking for a room that sits at 55-65°F at night. Near a bright east-facing windowsill can be a good spot, so long as there aren’t icy drafts
You want to keep your orchid in this spot for several weeks until you spot a flower spike emerging from its base. At this point, you can reposition your orchid to a more stable, warm environment, where you should leave it to bloom. Avoid major temperature or light fluctuations at this point, which may hinder bud development or shock your plant and cause orchid flowers to fall off.
What to Shop
While orchid care is particular and there are some major mistakes to avoid, like watering orchids incorrectly, there are a handful of orchid myths that aren’t true. This includes the belief you need to constantly mist orchids to boost humidity levels.
It’s not the most effective method and won’t make a huge difference, unlike simply placing your orchid in a bathroom with a steamy shower or using a portable humidifier (like this from Walmart).
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