How-to care for an Orchid

Share a potted orchid to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Whether you give or receive, follow our growing guidelines for this popular pick.

 

Right light. Orchids crave light. Place your orchid near a bright south- or east-facing window. In winter, southern exposure is ideal; from spring to fall, hang a sheer curtain between the window and orchid to shield leaves from direct sun.

Temperature gauge. Ideal indoor temperature settings vary by orchid type. For cattleyas, aim for day temperatures in the high 70s and nights at 60°F. For Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda orchids, give plants day temperatures hovering at or just above 80°F and nights around 65°F.

Humidity, please. Most homes offer humidity that’s too low for orchids, which prefer 50% to 70% relative humidity. Increase humidity levels by using a humidifier in the room where you display your orchids, or place planters on pebbles in water-filled saucers or bowls. You can mist plants daily in the morning, but use distilled water to avoid salt deposits on the leaves.

Take care. In containers, orchids enjoy a well-drained medium, such as fir bark or fern fiber mixed with other amendments. Let the medium dry out between waterings. Water your orchid about once a week during summer; in winter, watering may stretch to once every 10 days. Feed plants during seasons of active growth, typically warmer months. Use a liquid fertilizer mixed to half-strength. To avoid burning roots, water before fertilizing, using half as much water as normal, and then apply fertilizer.

Best blooms. As buds form, keep the growing medium uniformly moist and light levels steady to avoid bud drop. Once flowers start to unfurl, place your orchid near a cool windowsill (60° to 70°F) to make the blossoms last longer. When insects pollinate flowers, the flowers will collapse. If this happens, immediately remove the flowers. When the last blossom fades, cut off the flower stalks directly below the stem that produced the first bloom, and the stem may produce more flowers.;

 

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