How to Get Cymbidium Orchids to Flower Again

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Are Cymbidium orchids really easy-to-grow plants? Does that mean in comparison to other plants, or to other orchids?

What happens when they don’t flower year after year?

Read on and you will find out how to encourage your Cymbidium to flower again.

 

How to Get Cymbidium Orchids to Flower Again?

For Cymbidium orchids to flower again, the plants need to be moved, if necessary, to a position that is between 40°F and 65°F (10°C – 18°C), but where they’ll still receive indirect light. The atmosphere should be at least 40%. In the late fall, the water the Cymbidiums receive should be reduced from once a week to once every 10 days.

 

When your Orchid Doesn’t Bloom

Cymbidiums only flower once a year, from late fall to early spring. Each stalk will produce one flower, which will eventually fall, but the plant itself should be productive throughout the season.

Your Cymbidium may flower well one year, but then not show any signs of blooming the next. This may be because orchids are quite sensitive to the conditions in which they grow and, if any of these are not quite right, they are likely to stop flowering.

To get your Cymbidium to flower again, you should make sure that the conditions meet their needs.

 

Flowering season

It can take several years before new Cymbidium seedlings flower, so don’t be impatient with a young plant. Once it has flowered, though, you may need to work to encourage it to repeat its display the next year.

One thing to note is that Cymbidiums flower during the cooler months, which depends on a combination of temperatures lowering and a reduction in water.

It is also affected by the amount and quality of light the plant receives and the degree of humidity.

To encourage your Cymbidium to flower again, you will need to pay careful attention to these four factors. Think about it as simulating the plant’s natural conditions.

 

Water

In spring, summer, and early fall, water your Cymbidium regularly, making sure that the soil is well-drained.

As the temperatures begin to cool, reduce the water you’ll give your Cymbidium, then only water it sporadically in winter.

This will imitate the natural conditions of the orchid and should encourage it to begin flowering again.

 

Light

Orchids need bright, but not direct, light. They do not tolerate shade and will certainly not be encouraged to flower if they are away from any sunlight.

Note, though, that Cymbidiums do not tolerate direct light, especially in the afternoon. To allow for this, move the plant into a better, but still quite protected position.

This may be on a verandah, in a very sheltered outdoor space, or inside. Don’t put the plant right next to a window, as the light may be too bright.

 

Temperature

Orchids need a relatively low temperature to flower, so they may be unlikely to do so regularly in a warmer climate, or during a particularly warm fall and winter.

You may find it possible to imitate the lower temperatures they prefer by moving your plant inside, particularly if you have air conditioning.

However, take note that orchids do not like dry air, which is one of the results of air conditioning.

To encourage flowering, the temperature must be moderate during the day and cool at night. This is something you should be able to control relatively effectively, especially if the plant is inside.

 

Humidity

For a Cymbidium to thrive, the humidity should be about 40%, where possible. They will definitely not begin flowering in very dry conditions.

This is where growing the plant inside may be a better choice, especially if you live in a drier climate. It may be effective to put the plant near the bathroom, where the humidity may be higher.

However, remember that orchids don’t do well in a very humid atmosphere.

 

Feeding the Cymbidium

Another thing you can do to encourage your Cymbidium to flower again is to make sure it gets the correct nutrients.

Increased nitrogen, for example, in the soil of a Cymbidium can increase the quality of the flowers and the length of time for which the flower blooms.

You could try to add nitrogen (and relevant fertilizers) to the soil. Make sure, though, that you pay attention to the recommendations and instructions for the use and choice of fertilizer.

As soon as your Cymbidium has stopped flowering, you should begin to feed it, to stimulate new growth the next year.

However, it’s crucial that you don’t over-fertilize your plant. This can burn the roots and affect the growth of the whole plant, not only the blooming.

You can buy orchid growing mixes, which contain the appropriate amount of the correct nutrients for your plant.

 

When Flower Stalks Die

When the flowers on your orchid plant have died, you can choose to leave the stem or to cut it right back and even remove it. If the stem starts to turn yellow, you must definitely cut it back.

If you find a number of flower knobs after cutting the stems back, cut one open and look for evidence of growth, which indicates that they may bloom again.

These shoots can be removed and cultivated, or left to grow as part of the original plant.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get Cymbidium Orchids to Flower Again

 

Does my Cymbidium need to be in the sun?

Like all plants, Cymbidiums do need sunlight to grow, but they cannot tolerate direct light, so they shouldn’t be placed out in the sun.

 

Will my Cymbidium flower in summer?

Orchids prefer to flower in cooler weather, so your Cymbidium will only flower from late fall to early spring.

 

Conclusion

If the conditions are not right for your Cymbidium, it may not flower season after season. To encourage it to bloom again, make sure that the temperature, humidity, light, and water are what it prefers.

To see your plant flower every year will make all your efforts worthwhile.