Most orchids are sturdy perennials with eye-catching, exotic flowers that last for up to three months.
you could find common types, likePhalaenopsisorchids, at grocery stores and other retailers.
These are great orchids for beginners.
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Check out our guide on orchid care for beginners to fuel your new hobby.
Special orchid potting mixes are widely available at retailers, nurseries and on-line.
Keep the mixture loose and light.
The Spruce / Katie Kerpel
You want the roots well-hydrated, but not soggy, with room to breathe and take up nutrients.
Provide the Best Light
Almost all orchids needindirect lightin varying amounts.
Some require less light and more shade.
Others prefer dappled light through a window blind or shade cloth.
Still others need bright light to thrive and bloom.
Full darkness at night, as well as a drop in temperature, encourages bloom.
First, avoid placement near HVAC vents and other heating sources, such as stoves and fireplaces.
see to it to give the plant the right kind and amount of light.
Both artificial and natural light can raise the temperature.
Placement near a window can both slightly raise and lower the daytime and nighttime climate for your orchid.
Humidity levels are key to orchid health and encouraging blooms.
Many are tropical plants that grow naturally in steamy, moisture laden environments.
Lowering humidity is rarely an issue, and there are several ways to raise it.
Develop a Schedule for Fertilizer
Orchids need supplemental feeding.
Roots are sensitive to salts in many commercial fertilizers, so choose one formulated specifically for orchids.
Even then, a diluted system of 1/2 to 1/4 strength is often recommended.
A good starting point is to fertilize your orchid once a month.
The orchid is approaching bloom time and will benefit from additional nutrients.
Reduce post-bloom fertilizing back to once monthly.
Watch for signs of over-fertilization ,which include discolored leaves, straggly growth, and and salt buildup.
Flush the plant with clear water and consider replacing the potting mix.
Allow the plant to recover before started a reduced fertilizing schedule.
Then, it’s just a matter of time until it blooms again.
First off, inspect your orchids regularly for pests.
Second, always wash your hands and sanitize your tools when working with orchids.
Water your orchids properly and regularly, and don’t get too behind on your fertilizing schedule.
A healthy plant will be more resilient against pests and diseases, should they emerge.
You want your plant in fighting shape.
And finally, if you do discover a pest or disease issue, quarantine the plants affected.
Move them to another area of your home until the issue is resolved.
Otherwise, they can spread the pathogen to other plants.
Encourage Healthy Blooms
All orchids lovers are in pursuit of big, colorful blooms.
Healthy plants should bloom readily, but some orchids can be picker than others.
There are several options.
it’s possible for you to cut the flower spike 1 inch above the main stem or pseudobulb.
Or you’re free to let the spike dry up and fall off naturally.
However, if the flower spike turns dark or shows signs of rot, remove it immediately.
You should water an orchid often enough to keep the potting medium consistently moist but not soggy.
This may entail watering more often during active growth but less often during the orchid’s rest period.
Orchids can be grown outdoors all year in warmer climates and during the summer months in cooler climates.
For example,Phalaenopsisorchids are perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
However, orchids are rarely ever acceptable plants for in-ground gardens.
