Table of Contents
Here are the main requirements for proper orchid care Most orchids require water once a week. Position your orchid in a bright windowsill facing east or west. Weekly feeding with a fertilizer designed for orchids. Repotting in fresh orchid mix when your orchid stops blooming.
What do you do with an orchid after the blooms fall off?
After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.
How often do you water an indoor orchid plant?
How often you water an orchid depends on the species and the environment they’re kept in, but, on average, most orchids can be watered once a week to every 10 days. Just be careful not to oversaturate them. “In general, orchid plants need much less water than the average consumer would think.
Where should I put my orchid in my house?
Indirect sunlight is best. So one of the best places to keep your orchid is near a north- or east-facing window. If your living room has west-facing windows, it’s best to place it farther away from the window on a table or shelf.
How do you get an orchid to bloom again?
Follow these simple steps to help reblooming begin. Continue to water your orchid with 3 ice cubes once a week. Fertilize your orchid once or twice a month using a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Help your orchids grow by providing plenty of indirect sunlight. Put your orchid in a cooler spot at night.
How do you keep orchids blooming?
Adequate lighting is vital for the survival of an orchid. “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.
How long does it take for orchids to rebloom?
The process for getting a Phalaenopsis orchid to rebloom begins shortly after its previous bloom fades—whenever that may be. With the proper routine, your plant may rebloom every three to six months.
When should I repot my orchid?
An Orchid FAQ: How to Repot Orchids should be repotted when new; every year or two; or when crowded roots push up and out of the pot. Fresh bark mix is chunky and loose; decomposed mix fills in the air pockets that orchid roots need. Healthy orchid roots are white; pale green tips indicate new growth.
What time of year do orchids bloom?
Most orchids grow during the summer and bloom in the fall, winter or spring.
Can you use tap water for orchids?
Orchids are a wildly popular flowering plant, belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Most chlorinated tap water can be used as long as the chlorine isn’t excessive; however, watering orchids with collected rain or distilled water from the store is best.
Do you water an orchid from the top or bottom?
Don’t be surprised if it takes a while to get it right, but don’t give up. To master watering orchids, it is essential to water from above with fresh, pure water. For orchids with water storage, pseudobulbs, water when the potting mix is approaching dry.
How long do orchids live in the house?
This is usually 2 to 3 months long. However, there have been reports of some living for over 100 years. So, with the right care and attention, you can expect to keep your orchid for at least a few decades.
What potting mix is used for orchids?
Fir and Monterey bark is the most commonly used potting media for orchids. It is long-lasting, porous, and free-draining. Clay pellets are commonly added to mixes to prevent compaction and add drainage. Must be leached as it absorbs salts.
Do orchids like bathrooms?
Since a bathroom environment is naturally warm and humid thanks to steamy showers, and most bathroom windows don’t let in much direct sunlight, your bathroom is actually the perfect place for your orchids to thrive.
Should you repot store bought orchids?
A good rule of thumb is to repot a new orchid as soon as practical after it is purchased. Usually this means when it goes out of bloom. Orchids need to be repotted before their media breaks down and smothers the roots.
Do potted orchids rebloom?
Some Phalaenopsis orchids are genetically incapable of reblooming from the old spike, but most will rebloom from the old spike with a little extra care. The question is where to cut the flower spikes to initiate reblooming.
Will my orchid grow a new stem?
Orchids will grow new stems, fortunately. You can propagate a new Phalaenopsis or Vanda orchids from stem cuttings. Or you can divide a cattleya’s rhizomes. You can also expect a flower spike to grow back after cutting it down when its blooms die.
Why have the flowers fallen off my orchid?
Your orchid’s flowers are likely falling off because the plant is finished blooming. The orchid is about to enter a hibernation period where it will rest before blooming again. Other reasons for flowers dropping include overwatering, underwatering, lack of sunlight and too much sun.
How many times a year does an orchid bloom?
Most orchids bloom once a year, but if they are really happy, they may bloom more often. If you want an orchid that blooms during a particular season, the best bet is to purchase a plant that is in bloom at that time. When an orchid does flower it usually remains in bloom for six to ten weeks.
Should you feed orchids when they are flowering?
Fertilizing: The When While your orchid is resting, aim to fertilize it at least once a month and at most every other week. You can fertilize your orchid while it’s in bloom, but it’s really not necessary. Performing this step during the resting phase helps give your orchid extra nutrients for reblooming.
