When orchid flowers fade and fall off, the plant is usually still healthy. It doesn’t mean it’s dead; its bloom season is simply dormant. For some orchids, such as Phals, when their blooming period is over, it’s time for the roots and leaves to grow. With proper care, your orchid will rebloom when it’s time to do so.
Part of the orchid’s normal life cycle, dormancy is the plant’s natural resting period. During dormancy, Phalaenopsis orchids put their energy into strengthening their root systems, growing leaves, rebuilding energy stores depleted by blooming, and stockpiling nutrients for the next growth and bloom period.
Why are my orchids dropping their flowers?
Orchids drop their flowers and flower buds if they experience drought stress due to low humidity and a lack of watering. The low humidity saps moisture from the leaves, roots and flowers and if the potting medium dries out completely the flowers and flower buds drop.
It should be noted orchids naturally drop their flowers after 6-10 weeks as part of a natural cycle. Most common reasons orchids drop flowers or developing flower buds: Most orchids have flowers that last 6-8 weeks (with optimal conditions) before falling off.
If there are enough healthy plump roots remaining then the orchid can recover even if the leaves are yellow and fall off. As orchid roots are capable of photosynthesis (which is usually the function of the leaves) the plant can still live and revive in the absence of leaves.
How to treat brown spots and rot on Orchid leaves?
Next, here are a few ways you can help prevent future fungal and bacterial outbreaks: Provide constant, yet gentle air movement. Point a fan away from your orchids, and turn the fan to the lowest setting. Water in the morning. This way any water accumulation on the leaves will dry before nightfall. Use care to keep water off the leaves and flowers. Keep paper towels on hand to absorb water that accumulates in the crown of the plant.