Getting it to bloom

Why won't my Reed-stem orchid bloom? (and how to make it flower)

Also called Reed-stem orchid, Crucifix orchid, Fiery reed orchid, Reed orchid, Star orchid (Epidendrum spp.).

More about reed-stem orchid

About Reed-stem orchid

Epidendrum spp. · also called Reed-stem orchid, Crucifix orchid · flowering

The reed-stem orchid (Epidendrum spp.) is a vigorous, easy-to-grow orchid prized for dense clusters of bright, long-lasting flowers atop tall cane-like stems. Give it bright light, an open bark mix, warm days, and cool nights for repeat blooms. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it a pet-safe choice.

Plant type: flowering

Watch for — Leggy stems, few or no flowers: The classic sign of too little light. Stems stretch tall and flop instead of blooming. Move to a brighter spot (gradually, to avoid leaf burn) and stake floppy canes for support.

The reasons reed-stem orchid isn't blooming

Almost every non-blooming reed-stem orchid traces back to one of these, roughly in order of how common they are:

Too little sun — most of these need full sun (or very bright light) to flower well; shade gives leaves, not blooms.
Too much nitrogen feed, driving lush foliage at the expense of flowers (very common with general or lawn feeds).
The plant has not been deadheaded, so it stops flowering once it sets seed.
Irregular watering — drought or waterlogging at the budding stage makes buds abort.
It is still too young or was checked by a transplant and is rebuilding before flowering.

Feeding reed-stem orchid a high-nitrogen general feed and growing it in too little sun — you get a big leafy plant and almost no flowers.

The fix — how to get reed-stem orchid to flower

Maximise sun. Give reed-stem orchid the sunniest spot you have — for most bedding and fruiting plants, more direct light directly means more flowers.
Switch the feed. Move off high-nitrogen feeds and use a higher-potassium "bloom" or tomato-type feed as it comes into flower.
Deadhead regularly. Remove spent flowers often to keep it producing more rather than stopping to set seed.
Water consistently. Keep moisture even through budding and flowering — drought-then-flood swings make buds drop.

Light and feeding do most of the heavy lifting here. Dial in the spot with the light guide for reed-stem orchid and get the feeding right with the reed-stem orchid fertilising schedule — the wrong feed (too much nitrogen) is one of the most common silent reasons a healthy plant makes leaves instead of flowers.

Bloom season and what to expect

Reed-stem orchid flowers across its growing season (mostly summer) and, kept fed and deadheaded, can bloom for many weeks or right up to frost.

Post-bloom care so it flowers again

Deadhead, keep feeding lightly, and many will rebloom; collect seed from the best plants at the end of the season if you want to grow them again.

For everything else this plant needs day to day, see the full reed-stem orchid care brief and its watering schedule — a stressed, badly watered plant rarely has the energy to flower at all.

Reed-stem orchid blooming — frequently asked questions

Why won't my reed-stem orchid flower?

Reed-stem orchid blooms on the season's growth given enough sun, warmth and the right feed — there is no cold or photoperiod trick, just good growing conditions and a bloom-leaning feed. The most common reason it is not happening: Too little sun — most of these need full sun (or very bright light) to flower well; shade gives leaves, not blooms.

How do I make reed-stem orchid bloom?

Give reed-stem orchid the sunniest spot you have — for most bedding and fruiting plants, more direct light directly means more flowers. Move off high-nitrogen feeds and use a higher-potassium "bloom" or tomato-type feed as it comes into flower.

When does reed-stem orchid normally bloom?