Orchids are an ever-popular indoor potted plant. While the exotic flower is widely available, many beginners don’t know how to care for an orchid to keep it blooming. Here’s what you need to know to nurture your new orchid, so you can enjoy its bloom for a long time.
Orchids Though their elegant blooms and devoted fan base may make them seem like a challenge to grow, orchids are actually an incredibly low -maintenance houseplant. Their recommended care follows a simple ice cube watering methodthat even the biggest plant novices can handle.
Orchids are popularly known as fussy plants, and many people say they’re difficult to care for. But, just like other plants, orchids only need a few simple conditions to thrive. With the right water, sunlight, growing mix, and fertilizer, your orchid will live a long, healthy life and produce iconic blooms for years to come.
You might be wondering “Do orchids last longer when they bloom?”
One source claimed Orchid blooms will last longer if you can provide a mild, warm, and somewhat humid environment. When the bloom is over, it’s time to shift your thinking from short-term care to long-term maintenance. Most growers snip off the old flower spike near the base. (Some experts retain the spikes hoping for a rebloom, which sometimes does happen).
How do you take care of an orchid plant?
Water them weekly or when the roots feel dry to the touch. Fertilize them monthly with a plant food formulated for orchids. They do best in temperatures from 50 to 70°F. Test Garden Tip: Hundreds of varieties are available; the most common types keep their foliage all year and bloom on new stems.
What is the best environment for an orchid to grow?
The growing media, water, and fertilizer will combine for a slightly acidic environment for your orchid. Orchids need very little water. Their roots are highly specialized organs designed to soak up water very quickly and breathe.
When we were researching we ran into the question “How often should you water orchids?”.
You can also purchase a moisture meter to easily read the moisture levels of your orchid’s growing mix. Professional Tip: A good rule of thumb is to water your orchid no more than once a week, though different orchid types will require adjustments in watering. For most orchid types, you should reduce watering during the winter months.
Can Phalaenopsis orchids survive in low light?
“Phalaenopsis orchids can survive in a low-light space, ” says Palomares. However, the more bright, indirect light it receives, the longer the blooms will last and the greater the chances for rebloom.