Failure to bloom, though, is only one way to know that the orchid is struggling.

Here are important tips to help you bring your ailing orchid back into good condition.

Tip

Discover which tribe your orchid belongs to.

Dying orchid with blooms falling off

Nora Tarvus / Getty Images

This is crucial information going forward.

Why Won’t My Orchid Bloom?

Use a sharp, sterilized cutting tool to cut the flower spike back to its base.

Pruning off damaged orchid roots

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon

Adjust your watering schedule to meet the specific needs of the orchid you are growing.

Too much fluctuation in temperature can cause bud drop.

Fertilize Regularly

Adequately feed your orchid.

Trimming the orchid after its finished blooming

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon

During this period, decrease watering and minimize fertilizer.

Yellow leaves may be normal.

The loss of the bottom-most leaves is also a natural occurrence with orchids.

Adjusting the watering schedule of the orchid

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon

As new leaves form, older leaves will yellow and eventually drop.

Sprayneem oil, hydrogen peroxide, or isopropyl alcohol onto the leaves to eradicate heavy infestations.

Apply pesticide for a heavy infestation, especially for thrips and spider mites.

Repotting the orchid after pruning

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon

There is no cure for orchid viruses.

To avoid infecting other plants in your collection, dispose of the ailing plant and sterilize the pot.

Bacterial and fungal infections look different.

Repotted orchid with air roots placed on metal shelf near bright window

The Spruce / Nicole & Valerie de Leon

However, we often think orchids are dead when they are still alive.

Even if you believe an orchid is dead, attempting to revive it may be worth a shot.

The amount of time it takes to revive an orchid depends on the condition of the plant.

thermostat showing temperature

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Provide adequate light, humidity, water, and fertilizer for your orchid.

Determine the specific genus and species of your plant, and research its needs.

Not all orchids have the same requirements.

Misting an orchid to keep the humidity up

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon

Temperature Ranges.American Orchid Society.

Fertilizing the orchid

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon

Scale insect cleaned off houseplant leaf with cotton swab and rubbing alcohol

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Leaf spot on an orchid

The Spruce / Valerie de Leon