First Orchid Care: Normal Bloom Aging and the Critical Annual Repotting Rule

First Bloom Wilt: Totally Normal

The first spike browning and wilting while the second blooms is the natural flower aging process. Cut spent spikes after blooming finishes.

The #1 Killer: Skipping Annual Repotting

Most orchids die from old potting mix breaking down into water-retentive sludge that causes root rot. After flowering, repot annually:

1. Buy orchid potting mix
2. Unpot and remove ALL old mix
3. Cut off mushy (dead) roots
4. Healthy roots are firm, green when wet
5. Repot in plastic pot with drainage, sized to root mass

Long-Term Success Formula

Annual post-bloom repotting = healthy roots = years of reliable reblooming. This single habit prevents 90% of orchid failures.