Orchids are renowned for their exquisite beauty and sophistication, but they can be tricky to care for as houseplants. In this post, we share 12 things we wish everyone knew before using orchids as house plants, making it easier for you to enjoy their stunning blooms.
For those looking to enhance their home’s ambiance with fragrant plants, explore our list of 17 plants that will make your home smell amazing.
If air purification is your priority, don’t miss our post on 13 indoor plants guaranteed to purify the air in your home. Dive in and let your love for orchids flourish with newfound knowledge and confidence.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Orchids require specific care, including proper lighting, watering, and potting mix. |
| Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered deeply but infrequently. |
| Orchids should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and repotted every 1-2 years. |
| Fertilize orchids every 2-4 weeks during the growing season and reduce fertilization during the dormant period. |
| Orchids can be rewarding houseplants with beautiful blooms when given the proper care. |
Orchids Are Among One Of The Most Difficult Flowers To Take Care Of
Orchids are among one of the most difficult flowers to take care of. They are a delicate flower, which means that they need to be repotted regularly and fertilized often.
They also need to be watered regularly. Therefore, if you have decided that you want an orchid plant in your home, it is important that you have time available for taking care of these plants on a regular basis.
They Do Not Like To Be Left Outside
The second thing you should know is that orchids do not like to be left outside. If you want to keep an orchid, it’s important that you bring it indoors.
You also need to make sure that the temperature where your orchid is kept is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 27 degrees Celsius).
When growing orchids in your home, it’s best if they are kept in a cool place with indirect sunlight. If there isn’t any natural light available, use artificial lighting instead.
In addition to keeping your plant at a comfortable temperature, make sure it isn’t too hot or cold; be careful about drafts from windows or doors as well!
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You Need To Re-Pot Your Orchid When The Roots Stick Out Of The Pot
When the roots of your orchid are exposed, they are vulnerable to disease and drying out. It is important to repot your orchid every two years so it can grow properly.
When you see that the roots have grown out of your plant’s current pot, you should repot it immediately!
Whether you’re using a plastic pot or another material like clay or wood doesn’t matter as long as there is enough room for new root growth.
The Roots Cannot Be Left In Water Or Soil For Too Long
I’ve seen too many orchids die because their owner left the roots in water or soil for too long. Roots should be kept moist but not wet, and if you’re keeping your orchid in a small pot, you may have to repot it more often than normal so that the roots are able to get enough oxygen. I recommend repotting every few weeks (or sooner).
Watering Them Is Literally A Pain In The Butt
If you’re looking for an easy way to kill your orchids, just water them when they feel dry. Unlike most plants, orchids don’t have roots that grow into the soil like other houseplants do; instead, they grow their roots up into air pockets in the potting medium.
This is why watering them is so difficult: you can’t just pour water over the top and expect it to soak in (this may actually cause mold).
Instead, you have to carefully submerge each individual stem under running tap water until there are no bubbles coming from anywhere on its leaves.
Then let it sit for about 15 minutes before removing it from underneath your faucet so that all excess moisture can escape back out through its leaves rather than being trapped inside where it will rot plant tissue.
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You Need To Use A Fertilizer Every Two Weeks Or So
You need to use a fertilizer every two weeks or so.
When the orchid is in bloom, your watering cycle should be reduced to once a week and you should begin applying fertilizer.
Most growers recommend using one-quarter of the recommended dosage for each gallon of water that you give your plant. So if the label on your fertilizer says it’s okay to use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon, then you’d use 1/2 teaspoon (or even less) each time you water your orchid during its blooming stage.
While my orchids are not especially picky about their food they’ll eat just about anything I give them the most important thing is making sure they get enough nitrogen (N), which will make their leaves grow faster and more robustly than any other macronutrient!
Also, make sure there aren’t any heavy metals present in whatever kind of fertilizer you choose; these can damage an orchid’s roots over time if ingested regularly.
The Temperature Needs To Stay Around 70 Degrees But Can Go Up To 80
The best temperature for orchids is usually between 70 and 80 degrees. If you don’t know the temperature in your house, use a thermometer to check! If it’s too high, your orchid will wilt and die.
Orchids Can Grow Indoors With Proper Care And Attention
Orchids can be grown indoors with proper care and attention but you may want to consult a professional before attempting this for the first time.
Orchids require light, humidity and water to thrive indoors.
They also need to be fertilized regularly, but not excessively (especially if you plan on repotting them).
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They Do Need Sunlight But It Should Be Indirect Sunlight
You can place your orchid in a window, but it should not be in direct sunlight. The best place to put an orchid is somewhere that gets indirect sunlight. Indirect sunlight is when the plant receives light through a window and not directly from the sun.
They Require A Lot Of Maintenance, No Matter Which Stage Of Growth They Are In
Orchids are generally thought of as being easy to care for and maintain, which is true once they’re fully grown.
However, in the beginning stages of growth, they require just as much maintenance as any other plant.
In order to grow your orchid properly and maintain its health, you need to water it daily with clean water and fertilize it every two weeks (more often if you have a flowering orchid).
You also need to prune the stems regularly so that they can develop strong roots; otherwise, they will become weak over time.
A lot of people don’t realize this when they first buy an orchid they tend to expect them not only to take care of themselves but also look beautiful while doing so!
When an orchid isn’t getting what it needs from us (like regular watering) we’ll start seeing signs that something isn’t quite right: leaves turning brown at tips rather than shriveling up all at once; yellowing leaves/stems; roots showing through drainage holes in pots due to over-watering…
The list goes on! It can be discouraging when things aren’t going according but remember that these things happen because we didn’t give our plants enough attention during their initial stages.”
Flowers Don’t Always Mean That They’re Happy And Healthy!
Flowers aren’t always a sign that your orchid is happy and healthy. In fact, flowers can be a sign of quite the opposite! In some cases, orchids flower to compensate for stress or as a response to age.
In other instances, they may flower because of poor care. For example, if you’re not giving your plant enough light (or too much) it will begin producing flowers in an attempt to get more energy from its environment by growing more leaves and roots than usual (and thus creating more photosynthesizing surface area).
This is why it’s important to pay attention not only to how many leaves the plant has but also how large they are the larger they are relative to one another will tell you whether there’s enough room between them for new ones without sacrificing their ability to absorb sunlight effectively.
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Orchids Are Not As Simple As They Look!
Orchids are not as simple as they look! They require a lot of care and attention, including regular watering and repotting to maintain their health. They are also delicate, so you need to be careful with them when you move them around your home.
Orchids can grow indoors or outdoors, but they need to be in bright indirect sunlight they don’t like direct sunlight at all!
If you have an area where your orchid will get plenty of indirect light year-round (such as a south-facing window), it’s best just to leave it there permanently and put new plants into the sunnier space.
Conclusion
I’m just an ordinary person who likes to grow orchids. I don’t have any qualifications in plants or horticulture.
But I do have a lot of experience with growing orchids and caring for them well. So, if you’re considering getting an orchid plant for your home, then this is the post for you!
My hope is that by reading through these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make your own decisions about which types of orchids work best for your environment, lifestyle and budget.
“Clean air is essential for good health, and indoor plants can help purify the air in your home. Learn about the 13 must-have indoor plants for clean air in our article and breathe easy knowing your home is a healthy environment.”
Further Reading
Orchids Indoors: Tips and Tricks for Growing Orchids Indoors: A comprehensive guide to growing orchids indoors, including tips on lighting, watering, and fertilizing.
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Orchids: An informative article that covers 10 lesser-known facts about orchids, including their natural habitat and care requirements.
How to Take Care of Orchids: A Beginner’s Guide: A beginner’s guide to caring for orchids, with tips on lighting, watering, and repotting.
FAQs
What is the best way to water orchids?
Orchids prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently. Water your orchid thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away, and wait until the top inch of the potting mix is dry before watering again.
How much light do orchids need?
Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light, but some varieties can tolerate lower light levels. Avoid placing orchids in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.
What type of potting mix should I use for orchids?
Orchids require a well-draining potting mix that allows air to circulate around the roots. You can use a commercial orchid mix or make your own using a combination of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.
When should I repot my orchid?
Orchids should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the potting mix breaks down and becomes compacted. Wait until the orchid has finished flowering before repotting.
How often should I fertilize my orchid?
Orchids should be fertilized every 2-4 weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Reduce fertilization during the dormant period.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.
