Orchid care

Did you know that … the Orchid is not that difficult to care for? This is a common misunderstanding. Once you’ve read the instructions below, you’ll find it’s really quite easy! On this page you’ll find all information on Orchid care, from the ideal spot until repotting instructions. Follow these Orchid care guidelines and help yours live a long and healthy life.

The Orchid is one of the most popular flowering indoor plants, with flowers in all shapes and sizes. Although most Orchids only flower once a year, the Phalaenopsis Orchid can flower up to 3 times a year. This is therefore a very popular variety. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and Australia, where it grows in all kinds of different ways. Some need soil to grow, but there are also Orchids that grow on rocks or trees. These species are air plants (epiphytes): they are able to subtract all their nutrition from the environment, through aerial roots. Orchid care is easier than most people think. Once the plant is placed in a proper spot, all you really need to do is give it the right amount of water. Read on for all Orchid care tips.

Orchid light requirements

The Orchid requires a lot of light, but shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight. A spot with filtered sunlight will provide the Orchid with all the energy it needs, without running a risk of burnt leavn. The Orchid also has a number of specific requirements about its spot:

  • Do not place the plant near the heating. The humidity is too low here.
  • Do not put the plant in a drafty spot.
  • Do not place the plant near ripening fruit. This produces gases that cause the Orchid to age quickly.

If the plant droops down a bit, this is probably a sign that it’s not receiving enough light. If that can’t be what’s causing it (because the plant is placed in a very light spot), then the problem is probably due to a lack or excess of water.

    Orchid care: water

    For most orchids, the potting soil must be constantly slightly moist. The Cattleya, Miltonia and Oncidium are only the exceptions to this rule. You should only water these species after the potting soil has dried up. The following applies to all Orchid species:

    • It is best to water it using rainwater, if possible.
    • Never pour water on the plant, but always directly onto the potting soil.
    • Maintain a high humidity level by misting around the plant regularly.

    If you placed the Orchid in a decorative pot with the plastic growers pot, we recommend watering it dipping the growers’ pot under water. This is the best way of watering Orchids. Submerge the growers’ pot completely for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the roots to fully absorb the water. Allow the potting soil to drain completely afterwards, before placing the plant back in the decorative pot. This will prevent a layer of excess water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot, which can cause the roots to rot. If you removed the plastic growers’ pot before potting the Orchid in a decorative pot, we recommend regularly giving it small amounts of water. Make sure the potting soil is constantly a bit moist, but never wet.

    Repotting tips

    This plant prefers its roots to stand tight in the pot. It’s no problem if a few roots grow outside the pot. Don’t repot the plant until it the small pot starts to hinder its growth. This will be once every 2 or 3 years.

    We recommend placing a layer of hydro granules at the bottom of the pot when repotting. That way, it won’t matter if you overwater the plant, as the hydro granules provide drainage.

    Orchid care: Fertilizer requirements

    Once you receive the Orchid, it will not need any fertilizer during the first 2 months. There’s enough fertilizer in the fresh potting soil to last the plant 2 months. After this you’ll only need apply fertilizer during spring and summer. For the specific amount of plant food, have a look at the instructions on the packaging and never use more than recommended. This can cause damage to the roots. The plant doesn’t need any fertilizer during fall and winter.

    Is my Orchid poisonous?

    All outdoor and indoor plants on Plantler have a decorative purpose; they’re not fit for consumption – unless it is explicitly stated that they are (i.e. a fruit tree). The Orchid is generally not known to be a poisonous plant.