Orchid Plant Care

 

 

How to Care for Your Orchid Plants

 Here are some helpful tips to ensure the health and longevity of your Orchid plants.

It is essential to keep your Orchid in its container and position it in a well-lit area, while avoiding direct sunlight. Proper plant placement is especially crucial during the hot summer months. Excessive sunlight can lead to browning leaves, while insufficient sunlight can prevent buds from blooming and cause leaf discoloration. 

Phalaenopsis Orchids are native to warm tropical regions, making an ideal temperature range of 20-22 °C necessary for their well-being. The minimum temperature should not fall below 16°C, nor exceed 32°C. Avoid placing the plant near a radiator, as this can result in the plant drying out.

Proper watering is vital for the survival of your Orchid plant. Despite originating from humid climates, these plants require surprisingly minimal watering. It is recommended to water the plant with tepid water every 7-11 days, or alternatively, place a few ice cubes around the base of the plant.  The ‘drip watering’ effect of the melting ice can help to prevent overwatering. Mist the flowers occasionally with to mimic the humid conditions of their natural habitat. Ideally, use distilled water instead of tap water in both cases. Drain off any excess water to ensure that water does not collect in the base of the pot as this will cause the roots to rot.

Yellowing flowers and leaves may suggest that the plant is being over watered, and browning flowers and leaves may suggest that the plant is being under watered.

From March to October, feed your plant with specialised Orchid plant food twice a month. If you notice aerial roots growing outside the pot during this period, it is a sign that the plant is thriving. 

After the flowering period, prune the branches to stimulate new growth and flowers. Trim the stem just above a node and relocate the pot to a cooler, well-lit area for a 2-month resting period at 16°C. During this time, reduce watering frequency. After 2 months, return the pot to its original location and resume regular watering. The plant will bloom again after 6 months. This pruning process can be repeated twice; thereafter, trim the branch as close to the base as possible to encourage new growth.