Growing Orchids Under LED Lights-Make Your Orchids Rebloom!

If you have done everything right with your Phalaenopsis orchids, yet they still won’t rebloom, then this article is for you! I had this same problem and fixed it by placing my plants under an inexpensive LED shop light that I purchased from a local big box hardware store. Yes, it really is that simple! Year after year I am able to make my Phalaenopsis orchids rebloom all by using an LED light (and of course meeting their basic cultural needs like water and fertilizer). Keep reading to discover how I started out with failure, and then ultimately stumbled upon this foolproof method of making my orchids rebloom again and again.

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Initial Failure- My Orchids Would Not Rebloom

I love buying Phalaenopsis aka Moth Orchids! They are so elegant and the blooms usually last for months.  At one point I had at least a dozen orchids collected up from all my impulse buys and you know what? After that first bloom, the orchids would not rebloom. I waited years!  It was really frustrating.  I was watering them properly and fertilizing them. They lived close to a window where they received plenty of light. I was following all the advice from the experts.  I even tried giving them a cold treatment and watering them with ice.  They just would not rebloom.  Eventually I got fed up and passed them along to a co-worker whose mom had a knack for getting orchids to rebloom,  because let’s face it- orchids without blooms are not the most interesting or beautiful plants.

Discovering the Secret – LED Lights Make Orchids Bloom

Shortly after unloading my collection of orchids that would not rebloom I got into seed starting.  I did a lot of research on grow lights and finally purchased a basic LED shop light to grow seedlings under.  It worked great for my seedlings (more on that in a future article)!  I also had a new orchid (of course I could not resist buying a new one!). My plan after it bloomed was to trash it, but when the day arrived instead of trashing it I placed it under the LED light and just left it there.  Several months later, in total shock, I watched it send up a bloom spike and then unfurl the most beautiful flowers.  I cracked the code at last!

LED Lights for Growing and Blooming Orchids

I purchased a standard bright white four foot long LED shop light from Lowes that is 40 watts, 4200 lumens, and 5000K color temperature. The model I have is no longer available but if you stick with these specs you should have equal results. After your orchid has stopped flowering, trim the bloom spike off down to the base and place the plant under the light. Your Phalaenopsis will need 14-16 hours of light. And yes, your orchids need darkness so do not leave the light on 24 hours a day. I highly recommend getting an inexpensive timer instead of trying to remember to turn the light on and off morning and night.  Your orchids will live under the light for months.  

As you can see from the photo I have my light hanging from a basic shelf fixture that is set up in a spare room.  This is a budget set up but there are more attractive options available at places like Gardener’s Supply.  You could also purchase smaller lights if you have fewer plants (but beware this hobby is addicting- especially when your orchids actually start reblooming every year!) Allow about 12-13 inches in between the shelf that your orchids sit on and the light. Even with a light, it takes about a year for a Phalaenopsis orchid to rebloom so you can expect that your orchid will usually only bloom once per year. The bloom spike will grow towards the light.  Make sure it never actually touches the light.  After at least three flowers open, bring your orchid out to your living space to enjoy the show.   My orchids always bloom in the late winter/early spring which I think is perfect timing!

Caring for Your Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids are pretty low maintenance.  Let the bark or moss dry out slightly in between watering and don’t let them sit in excess water. There have been times my moss completely dried out and the orchids were fine.  Fertilize them at least once a month.  I use Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 fertilizer at a quarter the recommended rate with every watering.  Any balanced fertilizer is fine.  Occasionally use just plain water.

I do not repot my orchids unless they have totally outgrown the pot to the point where it is impossible to keep them moist, the grower planted them in bark (moss works better in my arid climate), or they have developed a long “neck”.  I have seen no difference in bloom performance when prematurely repotting and your orchid will be fine for a few years in the same pot. After blooming, cut the bloom spike all the way down to where it emerges from the plant.  Some people like to cut down only to the next bud but I prefer to rest my orchid and have it produce a completely new bloom spike next winter/early spring.

I hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know in the comments if you have struggled with getting your orchids to bloom. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram! If you LOVE growing flowers indoors check out THIS ARTICLE all about amaryllis!

Happy Gardening!

Heather

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