How to Get Orchids to Flower

Put the plant in a shady location for a month following the orchid's flower drop. Water it regularly, but allow the plant to dry out between waterings. This mimics the wintertime rest orchids experience before re-blooming.

Transition the plant gradually into indoor sunlight conditions over two weeks. This prevents a sudden spate of sunlight from causing leaf burn.

Place the orchid to a sunny location where it can receive overhead, not sideways, sunlight. Position it no more than 3 inches from the window, or provide artificial light if your home conditions cannot accommodate this sunlight requirement. Lack of proper sunlight is the No. 1 reason orchids do not bloom, notes Argus Orchids.

Feed the plant mild feeding formula, available at garden centers. Take care not to overfeed, which can damage the plant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Provide the orchid with a temperature fluctuation of about 10 degrees F at nighttime compared to the daytime temperature. Move the plant to an unheated room or away from heating vents at night to achieve this. Do not put the plant in front of a vent blowing cool air, however, as this can harm the orchid.

Water your orchid only when it needs it -- when the potting material has almost completely dried out. Push a pencil or wooden dowel into the potting material, pull it out and inspect it. If it is discolored from moisture, the orchid does not need water.