A Quick Guide to Orchid Care
Orchids are beautiful, exotic flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any home or garden. However, caring for orchids can be a bit tricky, as they have specific needs when it comes to light, water, and temperature.
In this article, we’ll provide an introduction to orchid care, including tips and tricks for keeping your orchids healthy and thriving. Whether you're a new orchid owner or an experienced gardener, this guide will help you understand the unique needs of these delicate flowers and ensure they bloom to their fullest potential.
Basics for Growing Orchids
Place your orchid in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
Give your orchid a porous growing medium.
Use a pot that will provide good airflow, such as an unglazed clay pot or a clear plastic pot with drainage holes or slits.
Water only when the growing medium has nearly dried out.
Feed your orchid when it’s actively growing.
Cut off the flower spike after it’s done blooming.
Re-pot your orchid only if it’s root-bound or after it has ceased to bloom.
Orchid Care
Growing Medium
Orchids are happiest when their growing medium allows plenty of drainage and airflow. This means they won’t grow in soil. Soil will only smother the roots, killing the plant.
Light
Orchids thrive in bright light, but direct sunlight can scald them. Opt for a location near a south- or east-facing window.
Pay attention to your orchid’s leaf color: Bright green leaves mean the light’s just right.
Potting and Re-potting
Orchids like their roots tightly wound but not crawling out of the pot. Choose the smallest pot that the roots will fit in.
Resist the urge to pot your orchid while it’s still in bloom. Remove all decayed roots before re-potting. After re-potting, give your orchid a day or two to heal its roots before watering.
Watering
Water your orchid when the growing medium has nearly dried out. You can test the moisture level by sticking a wooden chopstick in the growing medium for a few minutes and checking the end to see if it’s moist or dry.
Be sure to water your orchid in the morning so that it has time to drain and dry slightly before nightfall, preventing root rot.
Use room-temperature water to thoroughly and completely saturate the growing medium.
Fertilizing
During winter, feed your orchid once a month with a 30-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half strength. During peak growth in spring and summer, feed your orchid every 2 weeks with a 20-20-20 fertilizer.
Humidity
Orchids love humid environments. Place your orchid on a tray filled with pebbles and water or near a humidifier.
Our planters have built-in humidity trays.
Pests & Viruses
Mealybugs tend to favor orchids. To keep them and other pests at bay, use Monterey Horticultural Oil.
If your orchid has sunken yellow spots on its leaves, it most likely has a viral infection. Viral infections can come from contaminated tools or pots. In this case, as unfortunate as it may be, it’s best to get rid of your orchid to prevent your other plants from getting infected.