Orchids are also known as Orchidaceae. Their large, long-lasting flowers and crisp colors make them one of the most beautiful flowers. You can find them in yellow, magenta and white colors. Orchids are a symbol of fertility, elegance, and love. They are often gifted to new parents as gifts.
The phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, is one of the most loved orchids. The flowers bloom one to two times per year. They last for two to three months. Dendrobium or oncidium are also popular orchids. They bloom once to twice a year, and the flowers last for a little more than a month.
How to Grow Orchids
There are over 20,000 varieties of orchids in the world. Their growth depends on several factors. An orchid’s growth depends on proper potting, soil foundation, lighting, and watering.
Potting
A pot with good drainage should be used to plant your orchid. To ensure that excess water drains completely, your pot should have drainage holes. You will need to replace the pot if your orchid came in a different type of pot.
Soil
You should plant orchids in fast-draining soil. It is recommended to use a moss-based or bark based potting mixture. The care of orchids will differ depending on the type you use. Bark-based mixes allow water to drain faster, so your orchid will need to be watered more often. You can last longer between waterings because the moss mixture retains more water.
Temperature
Orchids thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24-degree Celsius). Your orchid will grow large, beautiful flowers if you provide some air circulation and moderate temperatures.
Light
If possible, orchids should be kept close to a south-facing window or east-facing window. They require a lot of light but not direct sunlight. A west-facing window will cause too much light to reach them, so a sheer curtain may be necessary. Your orchid will not be able to get enough light from north-facing windows.
How to Water Orchids
Your climate, humidity level and potting medium will determine how often your orchid needs to be watered. Orchids need to be watered once a day. Overwatering orchids is the biggest mistake when it comes to caring for them. Root rot is a common disease in this variety.
Avoid Overwatering
Avoid overwatering your orchid by watering according to how dry the soil feels. Push a few fingers into soil, then take them out. You don’t need to water orchids if they feel moist. It will need to be soaked if it does not feel moist. A clear pot can help you determine if your plant requires water. Clear pots will help you see the condensation. If there isn’t, it’s time for water.
Misting
You may need to mist your orchid on a daily basis if you live in an area with low humidity or a dry climate. This is unnecessary if your home has between 40-60% humidity. For humidity below 40%, spraying orchids with a spray bottle daily is recommended.
How to Care For Orchids after They Bloom
Once you have enjoyed the orchid’s stunning blooms, you will need to water, feed, and prune it in order to keep it healthy. Repotting your orchid in fresh medium (bark, moss soil) is a good idea. This will give your orchid a new start and provide you with fresh nutrients.
Fertilize
For orchids to rebloom, fertilizer is necessary. The plant will need to be fed with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20), either weekly or monthly depending on its variety.
Prune
After a flower has dried out, it is time to trim the stem. The stem can be cut near the base by removing the flower spike. Rarely, an orchid will rebloom from the same stem.
Reblooming
You should expect to see a rebloom within six to nine months if you follow the instructions. These are eight possible reasons why your orchid isn’t blooming.
- Too little light
- Too much light
- Temperature is wrong
- Too much fertilizer or too little?
- Repotting is a must
- It’s not the right season
- Too much water
- Too much water
It takes practice to learn how to rebloom orchids. It is possible to have to test several of these factors before you can find the root cause of the problem.