Yahoo Lifestyle Here's How to Care for an Orchid ( It's Easier Than You Think, Trust Us)
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Orchids are known for their long-lasting blooms that appear in almost every color — white, pink, purple and yellow are among the most common. The intricate flowers have distinct petals and a labellum, known as the plant's lip, that's often larger and more colorful. The striking plant can grow indoors, bringing a touch of charm and color into home design.
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, orchids require minimal care — so long as its conditions are met. The tropical plant is worthy of investment, considering the blooms can last for weeks or months at a time, and continue to bloom for 15-20 years, according to Gardening Know How. While the tropical plant has over 25,000 varieties, the moth orchid (also known as phalaenopsis) thrives best indoors.
Orchid Care Tips
☀️ Sunlight
Orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them in east- or west-facing windows for the best chance of healthy growth.
💦 Water
Water orchids about every 7 to 10 days when the soil feels dry to the touch — likely once a week during spring and summer, 10 to 14 days during colder months. Water the plant thoroughly, soaking the potting mixture completely and allowing water to drain from the pot.
Keep in mind: If your tap water is too hard (with high levels of minerals) or too soft (treated with sodium chloride), it may impact the orchid. Make distilled water by bringing it to a boil and allowing it to cool.
Some people also prefer the ice cube trick. Simply rest three ice cubes on top of the orchid's soil, making sure not to touch its leaves and stem. As the ice cubes melt, they'll give your orchid an adequate amount of water without harming its roots.
🪴 Soil
This flowering plant requires a coarse mixture for proper drainage. The ideal potting mix may include tree bark, cork chips, moss, lava rocks, small pumice stones and charcoal.
✂️ Pruning
Once the orchid's flowers have fallen, cut the flowering spikes (the stem the flower grew on) to prepare the orchids next blooming cycle. Use pruning sheers to get as close to the base as possible.
🔥 Temperature and humidity
Orchids prefer temperatures between 70° and 80° Fahrenheit during the day, but do well with colder temps (as low as 60°) at night. Orchids require a high humidity — between 50% and 75% — to thrive. A plant humidifier can help your orchid stay hydrated.
Types of Orchids
There are between 25,000 and 30,000 different species of orchids, according to the Rainforest Alliance. The flowering plants can vary greatly in size, weight and color — blossoms can appear in almost every color.
Phalaenopsis: Most orchid houseplants are phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid. Originating from humid rainforests in Asia, the species grows well indoors and stays in bloom for months at a time.
Cattleya: Native to South America, this species has large, fragrant flowers with ruffled edges.
Oncidium: Also known as the "dancing lady," this species has vibrant, asymmetrical petals.
Cymbidium: These light-loving orchids, also known as boat orchids, have blooms in various colors — from green to pink and lavender.
Common Problems With Orchids
✔️ Pests: Inspect orchids regularly for pests, like mealybugs, spider mites or aphids. Signs include yellow or brown spots, silvery stripes or a sticky residue on leaves. Pests may also cause abnormal or stunted growth.
✔️ Drooping or yellow leaves: This is an early sign that your orchid isn't happy. Drooping or yellow leaves are often caused by overwatering — check for soggy soil and soft, dark roots. If the soil is dry and roots are shriveled, drooping leaves could also be a result of underwatering. Yellow leaves could be a sign of inadequate light — move it to a sunny spot or add a grow light.
✔️ Burnt leaves: Dry, crispy or brown leaves are usually a result of too much direct sunlight, high temperatures, very low humidity or underwatering.
✔️ Bud blast: Often a sign of stress, bud blast occurs when buds shrivel and fall before they're able to bloom. It could be caused by a sudden change in temperature, humidity or light. Inconsistent watering, the wrong fertilizer, root rot or pests could also cause bud blast.
✔️ Root rot: Look out for mushy, dark-colored roots caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes and you're using the proper (and not too old) potting mix.
✔️ Dark spots on leaves: Small, dark spots are likely a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection. Cut out the infected area and spray the plant with a bactericide or fungicide, or sometimes hydrogen peroxide can tackle the diseases.
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