Updated at: 06-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

No, I’m not thinking about how to get numerous orchid stems. Because you can choose several spikes growing orchid, this isn’t a problem anymore. Spike-growing orchids are the greatest choice, as you correctly surmised.

Orchids are a member of the Orchidaceae family of plants, which contains over 28,000 distinct species. They’re a gardener’s best friend in some ways. There must always be at least one orchid hanging from the ceiling of every greenhouse. In particular, the sight of many blooms is enchanting.

To get numerous stems on an orchid, we’ll go over the steps here.

Now that autumn has arrived, most orchids will begin to blossom. How can you induce your orchid to have at least two flower spikes? An orchid’s rebloom is triggered in several ways.

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Temperature drop to 62°F (17°C) for at least two weeks, availability of growth nodes, a healthy fertilizing schedule, good natural lighting, avoiding stress, genetics, and removing old spikes to conserve energy are all elements that can cause an orchid to rebloom.

Even if your orchid hasn’t blossomed in years, we’ll walk you through each of these seven variables step by step in this post.

How can I get more spikes on my orchid?

1. Availability of growth nodes

During the new growing season from Spring to Autumn, the orchid must have produced at least two new leaves to produce several spikes. This is due to the fact that new flower spikes are formed on the sides of the orchid stem rather than in the same spot as the preceding spike. Between two leaves from the crown, they grow out of the stem’s joint.

So, in the new vegetative season, the orchid will only produce one flower spike if it has grown only one leaf. Unless the plant has produced any leaves at all, there will be no flowering.

To put it simply, the flowering season finishes and the new vegetative season begins when the preceding spike dries down.

2. Drop in temperature

It takes a reduction in temperature of 62-64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 or 18 degrees Celsius) for 2-4 weeks to set off flower spikes in autumn or early winter. It serves as a cue for the orchid to stop growing vegetatively and begin flowering. However, the reduction in temperature isn’t significant enough to be concerning.

Orchids that are grown indoors or in tropical climates with little fluctuation in temperature will have a hard time reblooming. Air-conditioning or a fan can be used to bring the temperature down to 19 degrees Celsius or less in hot climes.

3. Genetics

The most important factor is genetics. Phal orchids aren’t all born with the ability to generate many bloom spikes. Some species, such as the Phal subgenus of polychilos and its close relatives, can only produce one bloom spike per season.

Compared to elder orchids, young orchids are less likely to produce several flower spikes.

NoID orchids and micro orchids commonly found in stores are sophisticated hybrids capable of producing several spikes, though this is not always the case. Phalaenopsis Mini Mark, for example, is known for having many bloom spikes even when stressed. These creatures have little spikes. Phalaenopsis Micro Nova and Phalaenopsis Philippinensis were crossed to create this little orchid.

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4. Good fertilizing routine

Getting the nutrients your plants need is critical to getting them to flower properly.

Orchids need to be “fed weekly weakly,” which means they need to be fed frequently but only with a small amount of fertilizer each time. It is necessary to use a comprehensive fertilizer containing micronutrients as well as the NPK macronutrients of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Root and foliar feeding can be done at the same time.

Orchids may not display any symptoms right away if they don’t receive any fertilizer, due to their slow growth and the fact that they can obtain nutrients from the water and decomposing substrate. The yellowing of leaves, poor development, decreased leaf and bloom size, and lower number of flower spikes and blooms are all signs of nutrient shortage.

Steps In Getting Multiple Stems On An Orchid

Many of you may be wondering if there is a type of plant you can grow in your greenhouse while the flowering season continues. Orchids, as a kindly recommendation, can brighten up your perfect landscape. You must, of course, multiply them in order for the business to grow quickly.

Let’s take a closer look at how to make an orchid with several stems in this part.

#1 Choose a spike growing orchid

Orchids that don’t develop new spikes are rare. Phalaenopsis orchids, for example, rarely grow their spikes due to the nature of their genetics. So, you’ll need to get multiple spike-growing orchids if you want to have a variety of objects on your plants.

The equistres type of orchid, on the other hand, boasts astonishingly many blooms. Choosing an orchid with numerous spikes growing might be aided by knowing if the plant produces multiple flowers.

#2 Provide proper nutrients

Orchids, like humans, want food when they’re hungry. Orchids, too, require the right nutrition to thrive. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to make sure your orchids get the nutrition they need while also learning how to get numerous stems on one orchid.

Nutrients needed

The macronutrients that orchids need include phosphate, potassium, and nitrogen; they’ll become a fertilizer in their own right.

It is possible to increase flowering and root growth with phosphorus. Potassium, on the other hand, oversees the plant’s overall well-being. Finally, nitrogen encourages the growth of green and leafy vegetation.

Choosing a fertilizer

When selecting one, be sure to use fertilizer that is well-balanced. Adding fertilizer to the orchids should be done on a regular basis to ensure that they are healthy and bloom frequently.

Fertilizers for orchids must have potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen in equal amounts. When making a decision, keep the label’s recommendation of 20-20-20 in mind.

Fertilizer’s rate

Orchid roots can be burned if fertilizer is applied too frequently; their smooth texture makes them particularly vulnerable.

One-fourth strength fertilizer feedings are necessary every week for the greatest results. In the case of monthly feedings, it is best to use the full strength formulation. This method of feeding can be used all year long.

When watering orchids, start with pure or unfertilized water. Make sure the orchid’s roots are well-watered. The next step is to use a diluted powder solution to hydrate it.

#3 Get the right amount of sunlight

Your orchid’s spikes’ growth may be affected by the amount of sunlight they receive. Inadequate lighting can put the plant at risk of not growing properly. Because of a lack of light, you may have noticed that the flowers are not blooming as much as they used to.

Yes, these orchids require a significant quantity of indirect sunlight to thrive. However, direct sunlight exposure is not ideal for orchids. The lighting in your greenhouse should be carefully considered if you keep an orchid there.

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#4 Caring for orchid’s spikes

Taking proper care of your orchid and getting several stems from it is possible if you follow these simple guidelines:

1. Check your orchid’s spike

Your orchid’s spikes deserve as much attention as your most important possessions. Ensure that spikes are in good shape by conducting regular inspections. Keep an eye out for the spikes’ intricate details.

If they’re hard to the touch, they’re good for you. Spikes that are brown or yellow in color are no longer able to generate buds. To prevent the transmission of disease-carrying germs, isolate the unwell orchids from the healthy ones as soon as possible.

2. Maintain the neatness of spikes

The spikes of an orchid resemble human hair at times. It will get unmanageably lengthy if left alone for more than a few weeks or months. For this reason, the plant will appear unkempt and neglected.

Make sure to remove the dark and dried patches so that it can grow new flowers. Make sure your green spikes are just one inch above their nodes when you snip them. The needless spikes will be eliminated as a result. To ensure appropriate growth, nutrients will be supplied quickly.

3. Sterilize Your Tools

Trimming is critical for orchid stems to produce many spikes. Cutting tools are a given when you’re pruning your orchids. Prior to employing a tool, it must be sterilized in sterile circumstances. Here are a few steps to sterilize them:

  • Warm/hot water is ideal for rinsing your tools. Rinse and repeat the process with soap.
  • To dry the tools, place them on a clean piece of paper or a soft towel.
  • For better cutting, heat the edge of your tool’s blades.
  • Put the instruments on a paper towel and wipe them down with soap and water. Allow enough time for them to cool and dry before storing them again.
  • Trim the spikes after your tools have cooled off.
  • After you’ve used them, give them another thorough cleaning before putting them away.

4. Stimulate with cold air

As a result, if you want to increase the number of spikes on your orchid, allow it to cool down. Place them in an area of your home that isn’t too hot. A week without air conditioning or fans is enough time for them to get acclimated.

Final Words

I hope this article has helped you understand how to get numerous stems on an orchid at the end of the post. Orchids can be grown in a home, yard, or even a greenhouse if you follow the advice given above.

It was a pleasure working with you!