Why Phalaenopsis Blooms Get Smaller on Reblooming and the Correct Way to Get Them to Bloom Again

Many flower lovers adore growing Phalaenopsis orchids (moth orchids), but as they care for them, they discover that when the plants rebloom, the flowers get smaller and smaller, which is really worrying. Today let's talk about why Phalaenopsis flowers get smaller when they rebloom, and how to solve it.

Insufficient nutrients

Blooming takes a huge amount of nutrients for Phalaenopsis. After the first bloom, the nutrients are almost used up, and if you don't fertilize in time, the little bit of nutrition in the soil is nowhere near enough for new flower buds to grow well, so the flowers naturally become smaller when they rebloom. That's why you need to fertilize regularly with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen makes the leaves grow strong, phosphorus is very important for blooming, and potassium keeps the plant healthier and less prone to disease.

Problems with the root system

Roots are the key to how Phalaenopsis absorbs nutrients and water. If you don't get watering right, too much water causes waterlogging, the roots get deprived of oxygen and rot; too little, and the roots dry out. Also, if the soil is compacted and doesn't let air through, the roots can't grow well either. When the roots have problems, they can't take up nutrients and water, and the flowers definitely won't open big. So water in the right amount, water only when you see the soil has dried out, and use loose, airy soil.

Unsuitable environment

Phalaenopsis is very picky about its environment. If the temperature, light or humidity is unsuitable, it all affects reblooming.

It likes18 - 28°C conditions; temperatures that are too high or too low won't do. Light has to be just right too. Too dim and it can't photosynthesize properly; too bright and the leaves get sunburned. If the air is too dry, water is lost quickly and the flowers won't grow well either. We should try our best to create a comfortable little environment for it.

The plant has aged

After being grown for a long time, Phalaenopsis also ages. Its cells lose vitality, and its ability to absorb and use nutrients gets worse, so when it reblooms the flowers naturally become smaller and less attractive. If you run into this situation and really can't get it to grow well, consider propagating it by division, or buy a new seedling.

As long as you take these problems seriously and care for your Phalaenopsis well, giving it the right nutrients, a healthy root system and a comfortable environment, it will bloom big and beautiful again when it reblooms.