How Should An Orchid Blossom Be Maintained?

Orchids are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that require specific conditions to thrive. These include the right water, soil, light, fertilizer, and temperature. A beginner-friendly guide can help you choose, pot, water, and care for your orchid, as well as learn about different types of orchids, their native habitats, and care requirements.

Orchids prefer bright light but not direct sun, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill. They prefer regular watering and misting, preferably with rainwater or boiled water. Many orchids need to be grown in bark-based compost instead of traditional houseplant compost.

Main requirements for proper orchid care include watering once a week, positioning the orchid in a bright windowsill facing east or west, and using fast-draining but water-retentive soil. Orchids typically need water twice a week in the warmer months when the plant is actively growing, and only once a week or less in the colder months. A basic mix to promote good orchid care might consist of coarse perlite, fir bark, and sphagnum moss, or adding charcoal.

For beginners, place the orchid in a bright spot in your home where they receive plenty of indirect sunlight. Water the orchid approximately every few weeks, but avoid placing it in front of a south-facing window. The best way to water an orchid is by immersing the grow pot in water, which can be done by submerging the grow pot in a bucket of water.

In summary, orchids are a diverse and beautiful plant family that require specific care and conditions to thrive. By following these basic care instructions, you can ensure your orchids thrive and enjoy their stunning flowers.

How long do indoor orchids last?

The lifespan of an orchid depends on various factors, including the type, environment, care, and watering. If properly cared for, orchids can bloom twice a year for 15-20 years, with phalaenopsis orchids typically lasting two to three months. After the initial bloom, the plants go into a resting phase, saving energy for the upcoming flowering season. Some common mistakes made by novice orchid growers include overlooking these details, which are part of the learning process. It’s important to be aware of these mistakes and take steps to ensure the longevity of your orchids.

How do you take care of an orchid that has bloomed?

Post-bloom orchid care is similar to regular maintenance for any other plant. It involves watering the orchid when the potting material is dry, providing ample indirect light, and fertilizing it weakly with a high-quality urea-free fertilizer. Some orchids may go through a dormancy period, such as Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Catasetums, Clowesias, Habenaria, and their hybrids, during winter or when temperatures drop. Phalaenopsis and Lady slipper orchids may not experience this, but with time and loving care, they will bloom again. It’s a normal process and there’s no need to panic.

What should you not do with an orchid?

Orchids are the largest and most diverse flowering plant family, with over 880 genera and 22, 000 species. They are typically tropical plants, living as epiphytes or “air plants” hanging on trees for support. Some are lithophytes or “rock plants” growing on or among rocks, while the remaining orchids are terrestrials growing in the loamy detritus of the jungle floor.

To give general guidelines on orchid care, there are only several dozen species widely produced and even fewer available at local nursery. Hybrids, created by crossing different species and genera, are often sold at nurseries, florists, hardware chain stores, and groceries. These hybrids have desirable characteristics such as color, fragrance, flower size, and ease of care, outperforming the challenges of pure orchid species. Today’s orchid hybrids are rewarding house plants to grow and relatively easy to care for if understanding their basic needs is taken.

How do you keep an orchid flower alive?

Orchids require bright indirect lighting, consistent watering, good drainage, and annual repotting to ensure their longevity and longevity. They bloom for up to six months, making them a valuable investment. Terry recommends repotting orchids when their roots are cramming up against the sides of the pot and the plant has finished blooming. This is because there may be more roots than the planting medium, and the nutrients in the medium have been depleted. Moving the plant to a new pot allows for pruning, thorough cleaning, and deterring pests and diseases, providing more room for the plant to grow.

What happens if you touch an orchid flower?

It is important to note that Vandas and Dendrobiums are not suitable for cutting flowers, particularly for those with limited experience in orchid cultivation, and potentially for Phalaenopsis as well.

What to do when flowers fall off an orchid?

To encourage an orchid to bloom again, cut back the flower spike to just above a node, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep watering as usual, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. Provide adequate light, ensuring the orchid receives bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight, to avoid scorching the leaves. Place the orchid in a location where it will receive plenty of light but not direct sunlight.

What to do with an orchid once flowers fall off?

To improve the strength and growth of an orchid plant, remove the entire flower spike and use sterilized pruning shears or scissors instead of a knife. Move the orchid to a slightly lower nighttime temperature (55-65 degrees Fahrenheit) with the same amount of in-direct sunlight exposure. An orchid flower spike forms when a root grows upwards and the tip takes on a mitten-like appearance. Once identified, the orchid can be returned to its normal setting. Ensure to use sterilized pruning shears or scissors to avoid damage to the plant.

How long do fully bloomed orchids last?

Orchid blooms last six to ten weeks, and to maintain their health, increase sunlight, fertilize weekly, avoid overwatering, and keep the flowers dry. Maintain the right type of light, whether bright, indirect, or filtered, and reposition the orchid in a sunny location for several hours during the day. Support the long slender flower stalks with wire supports or make your own with a small wooden dowel and twine. Once the flowers fade, coax the orchid into re-bloom, be patient, and follow basic care tips to keep it healthy and thriving.

How do I make my orchid happy?

Orchids require regular fertilization during the growing season, with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 applied once a week. Fertilization can be stopped during winter when the plants are not actively growing. The ideal temperature for orchids varies depending on the species, and they are classified as cool-, intermediate-, or warm-growing. The ideal temperature ranges in Fahrenheit are 60-70 degrees during the day and 50-55 degrees at night. Orchids need temperatures between 80-90 degrees during the day and 65-70 degrees at night.

How often do you need to water an orchid?

Watering your orchid every 7 to 11 days, especially when the mix is dry, is essential to prevent damage and prevent overwatering, which can lead to crown rot, root rot, and other infestations. Watering in the morning is recommended as nighttime watering can leave water sitting for a period. Additionally, consider the temperature of your house, as high thermostats may cause the orchid to grow in summer. Visit our shop to see beautiful phalaenopsis orchids grown in the south coast of England, and sign up for our newsletter to access our orchids at discounted prices when we have grown a few too many.

How can I make my orchid happy?

Orchids require regular fertilization during the growing season, with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 applied once a week. Fertilization can be stopped during winter when the plants are not actively growing. The ideal temperature for orchids varies depending on the species, and they are classified as cool-, intermediate-, or warm-growing. The ideal temperature ranges in Fahrenheit are 60-70 degrees during the day and 50-55 degrees at night. Orchids need temperatures between 80-90 degrees during the day and 65-70 degrees at night.