How to Care for an Orchid So It Thrives for Years to Come (2024)

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are a striking indoor plant that can double as home décor when displayed in an equally as beautiful container. While the plant has a reputation for being difficult to care for, orchids can live for up to 15 years under the right conditions. There are about 25,000 species of orchids to choose from, but one of the easiest to grow is the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). No matter which variety you choose to bring home with you, there are a few things to know when caring for an orchid to ensure it flourishes in your home.

Orchid Care

Orchids are easy to grow and maintain when their light, soil, water, and fertilizer needs are met. When caring for an orchid, keep the following requirements in mind:

Water

Overwatering is a common reason orchids don't survive. You should aim to water the plant just before the soil dries out. One way to gauge this is by how heavy the pot feels. The heavier it is, the more water the soil contains.

"After watering, make sure no water remains in the crown or the leaf joints of the plant," says Bruce Rogers, author of The Orchid Whisperer, Expert Secrets for Growing Beautiful Orchids. "Do this by turning your orchid to the side, which will drain water from the crown."

Soil

Orchids need fast-draining but water-retentive soil. Typically, they grow in a mix of bark, beat, perlite, or similar materials, says Melinda Myers, gardening expert and host of the Great CoursesHow to Grow AnythingDVD series.

Light

Give your orchid at least six hours of bright, indirect light from a south or east-facing window. While many orchids can handle more or less light, access to ample light enhances flowering potential.

Fertilizer

Orchids should be fed regularly during the growing season, says Meyers. Apply a balanced fertilizer specific for orchids, such as 20-20-20, about once a week. You can stop fertilizing during winter when the plants are not actively growing.

Temperature

The ideal temperature orchids need varies depending on the species. They are usually classified as either cool-, intermediate- or warm-growing depending on their temperature requirements. The usual definitions of these ranges in degrees Fahrenheit are:

• Cool: 60 to 70 degrees during the day and 50 to 55 degrees during the night
  
• Intermediate: 70 to 80 degrees during the day and 55 to 65 degrees during the night
• Warm: 80 to 90 degrees during the day and 65 to 70 degrees during the night
  

Types of Orchids

There are many types of orchids to choose from, but these are some of the most common varieties.

• Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis): One of the most popular types of orchid, this low-maintenance variety features long-lasting, moth-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors.
• Vanda Orchid (Vanda spp.): Easily grown in warm climates, vanda orchids need adequate sunlight to flourish. They can be summered outside and grown indoors during winter.
• Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium): Known for its showy yellow flowers, this type of orchid has blooms that look like a dancer with a waving skirt, hence the name.
• Boat Orchid (Cymbidium): Another popular variety, boat orchids can tolerate some frost when kept outside. They have multi-lobed flowers with a colorful central tongue and lips.

Getting Your Orchid to Re-Bloom

One of the most common reasons your orchid won't re-bloom is because it doesn't have access to enough sunlight. Look at the foliage to determine if your orchid is receiving adequate light and adjust accordingly. "Plants receiving enough sufficient light will have light green leaves. In low light, the leaves will be darker and stiffer. With very high light they develop a pink or reddish edge on the leaves," says Meyers.

Growing an Orchid Outdoors

In cold climates with warm summers, your orchid can be moved outdoors once temperatures rise. When doing so, place your orchid in an area with partial shade, like under a tree with dappled light or under a canopy or shade cloth, says Meyers. The plant should also be kept somewhere it's protected from wind or harsh weather conditions.

Pruning Orchids

You should prune your orchid when it's actively growing, which will vary from species to species. Keep an eye on the plant—new leaves and roots are typically signs it's growing. How you prune your orchid depends on the variety you're growing. Popular types, like Phalaenopsis, oncidium, and Dendrobium orchids, can have their flower spike cut off once the flowers die, which will encourage future growth.

Repotting Your Orchid

Like other plants, orchids benefit from being repotted. You'll know it's time to repot your orchid when the roots have outgrown the pot or the growing mix has broken down. "If you have never done it, it can be intimidating the first time or two—but not only does it get easier, it can rejuvenate the plant," says David Horak, curator of the orchid collection at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. "Try to stick to a schedule of repotting at least every two to three years, or when the medium feels soggy or softer than it used to."

1. Take the orchid out of its old container and separate its roots from the old mix.
2. Soak roots in water if some of the old planting mix won't separate.
3. Hold the plant over the new pot, which should be just one pot size bigger than the existing vessel, and fill with fresh potting mix to cover the bottom roots.
4. Water the repotted orchid and the surrounding mixture.

Common Problems With Orchids

These are the common issues to look out for when caring for orchids.

Pests

There are a few problems you may encounter when caring for an orchid. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. One of the most effective home remedies against these pests is to wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Bud Drop

Another issue you may encounter with your orchid is the buds dropping. This can occur for many reasons, including over or underwatering, temperature fluctuations, fumes, low humidity, ethylene, insects, genetics, and changing the growing location. If any of these issues are present, remedy them to help reduce the dropping of buds.

Wilted Leaves

Shriveled leaves are another common problem you may encounter with orchids. This is typically an indicator of a lack of water in plant tissue. Examine the roots to determine why the plant is not getting sufficient water. If they appear a healthy white or green and are plump, suspect underwatering, especially if the pot is light. If the roots are in poor condition, suspect root loss, which may be caused by overwatering, medium deterioration, or a recently repotted and poorly established plant. The immediate solution is to increase humidity to reduce stress.