The Orchideaeof the family of Asparagalesare among the most loved domestic plants, luck due to the beauty of the flowers and the elegance of the shapes. Mistakenly considered delicate and difficult to maintain, orchids are actually resistant and can bloom even in the winter months, as long as some precautions are respected. In particular, the attention we will pay to orchids in October will be of crucial importance in the months to come, given that they will lay the foundations for good flowering in the winter months. But what are the secrets to stimulating the reflowering of the orchid at this time of year? Let’s see them together.
The natural cycle of the orchid: between rest and rebirth
Before we find out how to encourage winter flowering, we need to understand the orchid’s natural cycle. As happens with many plants, the orchid goes through phases of growth and rest: after a long flowering, the flowers begin to fall, leaving the plant in a phase of apparent stasis, a completely normal process, which does not mean the death of the plant. plant, but rather a moment of rest in which energy is recovered in view of a new flowering. The plant therefore reduces its activity, and this will be the moment in which to intervene to prepare it in the best possible way: the month of October is the one in which the orchid begins to respond to environmental stimuli, therefore it will be essential to provide it with the right conditions to encourage a lush flowering.
Light: the key element for healthy reflowering
One of the most important aspects of orchid care is light. It is often thought that the orchid requires direct sun exposure, but this is a mistaken belief: the plant actually thrives in indirect and diffused light conditions. During the winter, when the hours of natural light are reduced, it is essential to position it in a bright but well-shielded place, therefore a window facing south or east, with a light curtain that filters the sun’s rays, is certainly the best option to ensure the right exposure.
In October, the intensity of sunlight naturally decreases, so you will have to be careful not to leave the orchid in too dark places: if the plant does not receive enough light, it may have difficulty producing new buds. During the colder months, you can supplement natural light with a full-spectrum lamp to simulate ideal lighting conditions.
Temperatures and thermal shock: the secret of re-flowering
If light represents the vital energy for the orchid, temperature is the trigger for flowering, many do not know that, to encourage the production of flowers, the orchid must be exposed to a slight thermal shock, which means that the plant will need to undergo a drop in temperature between day and night, with a difference of at least 5-10°C.
As already noted, during the month of October outdoor temperatures begin to drop, and this represents the perfect time to stimulate the plant. If possible, we recommend moving the orchid outside during the night, making sure that temperatures do not drop below 10°C. By doing so you will give rise to a small thermal “trauma”, which will send a signal to the plant, suggesting that winter is upon us and that it is time to prepare for flowering.
Watering and humidity: the delicate autumn balance
The irrigation phases are another aspect that should not be underestimated in orchid care, and in the month of October it will be necessary to adapt the frequency and quantity of water based on the climatic conditions. During the warmer months, the orchid needs more water, but in the fall, when temperatures drop, the plant requires less humidity.
A common mistake is to continue watering the orchid with the same frequency even in October, when instead you will have to reduce the water supply and wait for the soil to dry completely between one watering and another. Absolutely avoid water stagnation in the saucer: excessive humidity can cause rotting of the roots, compromising the health of the plant.
Ambient humidity also plays an important role. Orchids like a humid environment, so if your home is too dry, you might consider using a humidifier, or simply spraying water around the plant to increase the humidity level.
Natural remedies: when cooking becomes an ally of gardening
There are several natural remedies that can help the orchid re-bloom. For example, few people know that egg shells and rice cooking water can be excellent fertilizers: egg shells, rich in calcium and minerals, can be crushed, boiled in water and then used as liquid fertilizer, for a solution which will be able to strengthen the roots and promote the growth of the buds.
Rice cooking water, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins and nutrients that can stimulate the plant naturally. Just make sure it doesn’t contain salt and let it cool before using it to water the orchid. Milk diluted with water is also an excellent ally: its proteins nourish the plant, making the flowers more vigorous and colourful.
Pruning and cleaning: prepare the plant for rebirth
Another essential step in autumn orchid care concerns pruning, which must be carried out carefully, preferably immediately after the flowers fall. The objective is the removal of damaged or dry parts, an action which will thus stimulate the production of new shoots.
Not everyone knows that the orchid can produce new stems from the nodes present on the old flower stem, so it is not necessary to cut it completely, but it will be enough to eliminate the parts that show signs of suffering and leave those that are still viable intact. Thorough cleaning of the leaves is also important: removing dust or any parasites is another way to ensure a healthy environment for the plant.
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