Orchid Care Guide
Orchids are prized for their elegant, exotic blooms and make a beautiful addition to any home. Though they have unique care needs, they’re manageable with the right approach. This simple guide covers key tips on placement, watering, fertilizing, and repotting—so your orchid stays healthy and blooms beautifully year after year.
1. Placement
Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight or in a room with bright, ambient light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Orchids also appreciate good air circulation, so consider a room with gentle airflow but avoid drafts.
Maintaining a stable temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal for most orchid species.
2. Watering
Orchids generally prefer to be on the drier side compared to other houseplants. Water them thoroughly, allowing the water to drain out of the pot’s drainage holes. Let the top 1-2 inches of the growing medium dry out before watering again.
Depending on the humidity and temperature, watering every 7-10 days is typical.
Avoid letting orchids sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Soil & Potting
Orchids do not grow in traditional soil. Instead, they need a well-draining orchid mix, often composed of bark, perlite, and sometimes sphagnum moss.
Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
4. Pruning & Maintenance:
After the blooms have fallen, prune the flower spike to encourage new growth. For many orchids, cut the spike back to just above a node (a small bump or swelling on the stem). Some orchids may produce a new flower spike from the old one.
Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and reduce the risk of disease.
Regularly check for pests and ensure the leaves are free from dust.
5. Fertilizing
Orchids benefit from regular feeding during their active growing season. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 30-10-10) diluted to half strength.
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer, and reduce feeding to once a month during fall and winter.
Over-fertilizing can cause leaf burn, so it’s better to err on the side of less rather than more.
6. Propagation
Orchids are typically propagated through division or keiki production.
Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with roots and pseudobulbs. This is usually done during repotting.
Keikis are baby orchids that grow on the flower spike. Once the keiki develops roots that are a few inches long, it can be separated from the parent plant and potted individually.
7. Troubleshooting
Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or too much direct sunlight. Adjust watering practices and check light conditions.
Spotted or Wrinkled Leaves: Can indicate insufficient humidity or pest problems. Increase humidity around the plant and inspect for pests like spider mites or scale.
No Blooms: May be due to inadequate light, improper temperature, or insufficient fertilization. Ensure the orchid is getting enough light and adjust care routines as needed.
8. Seasonal Care
Spring/Summer: Orchids are in their active growing phase. Maintain regular watering and fertilizing schedules, and ensure they receive plenty of light.
Fall/Winter: Growth slows down, and orchids may enter a dormant phase. Reduce watering and fertilizing frequency. Keep the plant in a stable environment away from cold drafts, and maintain a consistent temperature.
9. Repotting
Repot your orchid every 1-2 years or when the growing medium breaks down or the plant becomes root-bound.
