Basic Orchid Care

Basic Orchid Care

Did you receive an orchid for the holidays? Congratulations! Your orchid will fit in well with your other house plants and will do just fine if you keep in mind these things.

One of the most common and popular orchids to give is the Phalaenopsis orchid, also called a moth orchid. Often times, these orchids are potted in clear plastic containers filled with moss.

You'll want to leave your orchid in this container until it has stopped blooming. Then you can transfer your orchid into a different container. Ceramic pots and clay pots will work fine. Often they will have slits or holes in the side of the pot. This is to help air circulation around the roots. This also helps prevent over-watering. Orchids like to be watered and then allowed to dry out before you water them again. As a rule of thumb, water your orchids about once a week this time of year. If possible, use water that is room temperature and avoid watering the center of the plant. Your orchid will do best in a bright location, with no direct sun. 

One way to disguise the plastic pot is to double pot your plant in a more decorative container. Once you are ready to repot your orchid, select a container that is slightly larger than the original pot. Orchids like to be "snug" in their pots.

Next, use a bark orchid mix designed especially for your plant to thrive in.

Flowers will fall off as they begin to fade. If not, you can gentle pull them off yourself. Don't be in a hurry to cut back the flower stalk, once your orchid has stopped blooming.

Your orchid will often send up a second set of flowers on the old stalk.

Feed your orchids sparingly this time of year, usually every 2 to 3 weeks. When you do feed them, make sure the bark is wet first, and then add a very mild solution of fertilizer.

When you see problems like this, take a look at how you're watering your orchids. Best bet. Let them soak in the sink until the bark is good and wet then put them back in their location by the east window. With a little care, your orchid will thrive and flower for many years to come.