How to Properly Care for Your Orchids

July 10, 2022

Orchids are exceptionally beautiful flowers and are known for their unique appearance and brightly-colored sepals and petals. These tropical plants grow in as many as 28,000 different varieties and each has its own unique characteristics which set it apart. Orchids are so breathtaking that they are often falsely assumed to be high maintenance when in fact they can be very easily cared for with the proper knowledge.

If you are looking for ways to nurture your orchid into blooming at its brightest time and time again, you have come to the best place for orchid care. With our tips, you will be able to care for your orchids with confidence.

The Myth That Orchids Are Hard to Care for

Orchids get their reputation for being hard to care for because many simply don’t know what conditions orchids need to thrive. Understanding the water, light, soil, and temperature needs of orchids will also ease the process of caring for them.

What Makes Orchids Good Houseplants?

Orchids make lovely indoor plants that give off a beautiful bloom, adding a pop of color and a touch of class to any space they are placed. Whether you are caring for a Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Ludisia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Phaius, Zygopetalums, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, or Cymbidium you must take a set of unique steps to ensure your orchid lives and blooms to its full potential.

Help Your Orchids Thrive with These Care Tips

Keep your orchid in a bright area of indirect sunlight to prevent your blooms from burning or drying out. If your home is at a comfortable temperature (recommended 65 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the species), your orchids will be as happy there as you are.

Aside from these need-to-knows, we want to share these essential orchid-care tips:

1. The first thing you should do is put your orchid in the correct type of pot (ideally plastic or terra-cotta with drainage holes) with the correct potting mix. Orchids do best in soils that replicate the bark consistency of the trees they naturally bloom underneath in the wild. As an alternative, use moss-based soil. Moss offers great drainage that will keep plenty of air circulating around the roots of your orchid.
2. Remember that orchids love sunlight so place your bloom in the area of your home that will help it absorb the light without being at risk of burning.
3. Water your orchids often but do so sparingly to prevent the roots from becoming oversaturated and prevent rot; watering orchids every 7 to 10 days is best. A great place to water your orchid is your kitchen sink. Place your orchid into the water for 15 minutes, remove it from the water, and allow the soil to fully dry before placing it back into its decorative outer pot.
4. Consider purchasing a humidifier to keep the air around your orchid properly moistened.
5. Refrain from cutting the roots of your orchid, even if they grow up and over the pot.
6. Repot your orchid when necessary (6 months to 3 years depending on growth needs).

Flower Works Bonus Tip

We suggest you should enjoy your orchid at every stage and be open to learning new ways to appreciate your orchid beyond the blooming cycle. Read more about plant and flower care, or contact us and stop by Flower Works to get your potted and stemmed friends today!

Also in Flower Works Blog