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'I own a plant shop - orchids will be flowering again soon if you take 1 step first'
Reach Daily Express | April 16, 2026 8:39 AM CST

Beautiful unlike nothing else, orchid flowers are extra special because they are hard-earned. Orchids enjoy a prolonged honeymoon stage where they look just like the day you bought them - until those flowers eventually die.

One of the most common problems people have with orchids is figuring out how to make them grow new blooms. Thankfully, when they do eventually bloom once more, they are a spectacular sight that can last for as long as 12 weeks. If your plant's flowers have faded with no sign of life, a plant shop owner has shared some vital tips with Express.co.uk. Jordan Trainer of Plantique in Glasgow has outlined precisely what you need to do to get orchids flowering again.

How to make orchids flower again in five steps

1. Prune it carefully

The first thing orchid owners need to do, Jordan advised, is to prune the plant. Knowing and remembering how to carry out this essential plant task will encourage the plant to flower again.

"You can make your orchid flower again by removing the spent blooms, then cut the long stem back to see a node, which is a notch-like bump on the stem," he said.

"Count two notches up from the base and cut just above this part. Discard the part you cut off, and the remaining stem will put energy into producing a new flower spike within a few months."

2. Keep your cool

The next step to encourage orchids to flower is a drop in temperature. You can achieve this - and provide optimal light - by moving it away from direct sunlight.

Jordan said: "Orchids need bright, indirect light to grow best so keep your plant away from direct sun but still in a room that receives plenty of natural light."

3. Feed orchids

The flowers require some nourishment in order to bloom once more. Using an orchid-specific plant feed monthly "will encourage the plant to grow and develop more flowers".

4. Know when to water your orchid

"Another good tip is to look at the root system of your orchid, which should be in a clear pot," he continued.

As the plant shop owner explained, there is a difference between soil roots and aerial roots - and only one of them indicates when orchids require watering.

"If the roots appear dark green in colour, that means the plant has enough water and moisture to grow. If they appear a light, silvery colour it's an indicator to water your orchid as will be thirsty."

He pointed out: "It's also good to know that orchids have air-roots that often stick out of the pot and hang down. This is normal and not the roots you should be checking as they often appear the same colour regardless of watering.

"Check the roots that are submerged in soil to know if your plant needs watering or not."

So, don't lose heart if your plant appears reluctant to bloom again.

Jordan reassured orchid enthusiasts that this is all that's required: "Follow these steps and you should have a flowering orchid again soon."


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