Caring For Orchids Is Finally Fun Now That I Know These Secrets

I don’t know what my good friend was thinking when she gave me an orchid as a gift over 20 years ago. I did not know that it was an orchid, much less what type of orchid, but later I learned it was a popular Phalaenopsis. But I was intrigued by its unique flowers. Given my most ungreen of thumbs, the orchid died a slow death, despite my efforts to love it back to health. I wondered what exactly makes so many people orchid lovers, while at the same time so many people think caring for orchids is hard.

Undoubtedly, when I got my first orchid, I knew next to nothing about caring for any plants. I don’t know what happened, but the orchid worked its way into my life, and I wanted to know the best way to care for orchids. Since then I have learned a lot, and have de-mystified caring for orchids, so that I think practically anyone with a bit of attention can grow vibrant orchids with a minimum of fuss. There really is no secret to caring for orchids. There are basically only 6 things to consider. This is not rocket science, as the saying goes, so concentrate on these factors and you will find yourself proud of your beautiful orchid and maybe get hooked like I did.

1. Consider Your Orchid’s Natural Conditions

If you can create an environment close to the one in which your orchid naturally grows, then you will have a happy orchid on your hands.. Start by reading the label that came with your orchid. Also, some places will give you a basic growing and care guide.

2. How Much Light Does Your Orchid Need?

There is some variablity among orchid types, but most require at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light. Direct light will scorch the leaves. If your orchid is getting the right amount of light, its leaves will be medium to light green. Not enough light and your orchid’s leaves will turn dark green and too much light will make the leaves pale green. See that wasn’t difficult was it?

3. Don’t Kill Them With Love

This is how I managed to kill my first orchid. I basically overwatered it. While the leaves turned yellow, I figured it needed even more water! Although it varies some by season, and by the dryness of the air around your orchid, watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient. To check if the plant needs water, push a wooden stick or pencil into the medium, if it comes out darker, there is enough there. Just check again in a couple days and eventually your stick will come out dry, and then you know it is time for a drink (for your orchid).

4. How To Know When To Feed Your Orchid

First, don’t use regular house plant food. Your orchid needs orchid fertilizer and typically should get it in liquid form about once a week. Mix you orchid fertilizer at half strength.

5. When to Repot Your Orchid

Repotting was always my least favorite thing to do, but it does make a big difference in your orchid’s health.. Gently remove the orchid from its pot, taking care not to hurt the roots. Rinse the roots and trim off any hollow or mushy ones, as they are considered dead. Don’t use too big of a pot, because it will hold too much water and your orchid can rot. Just a couple inches bigger is fine. Add the new mix/medium to the pot, tapping the sides to make sure it settles properly. Press gently to settle the plant but don’t use too much force or the roots may break. Use a stick to support the plant in the pot so it is secure. If your plant is growing in sphagnum moss, make sure it is damp before wrapping it round the roots and repotting, that way you don’t have to worry about pockets of air. After repotting move your orchid out of bright light and cut back on the water and feeding for a few days.

6. Got Flowers? What to do now?

Check whether your orchid flowers only once from the flower spike or will flower repeatedly from the same spike. Once the plant has finished flowering the spike needs to be removed at the base with a sharp instrument to lessen damage to the plant itself. If you aren’t certain, don’t cut it off!

7. Orchid Diseases and Pests

OK, there is a seventh issue to consider. Sometimes your orchid will get a disease or a pest. An important part of orchid care is looking out for various fungi or parasites. Isolate any plant that has a problem, check it out, find the remedy and start treating as soon as possible.

I am here to tell you, if you focus on these conditions and provide the amounts your orchid prefers, your orchid will thrive. Caring for orchids will become easy for you, and your satisfaction and pride will grow along with your healthy orchid.

What you just learned about caring for orchids is just the beginning. To get a FREE Orchid Care minicourse, check us out at Growing Orchids .