Orchids are an very popular indoor potted plant. While the exotic flower is widely available, many do not know how to care for an orchid to keep it blooming. Whether you own just a few Phalaenopsis hyrids as “house plants” or are ready to begin the wonderful hobby of orchids, we have all useful tips that you need to know to keep your orchids healthy.

How To Care Orchid:

1. Watering

Orchids are quite finicky about water, and over or under watering is usually the way most orchids meet their demise. When watering your orchid there are some things to keep in mind. First, orchids never appreciate soggy soil. Invest in a light misting spray bottle so you can spray the base of the plant once per week. The only exception is if the air is extremely dry. If you wish, you can place an ice cube at the base of the plant so it slowly melts into the pot and provides the moisture the plant needs.

2. Light

Orchids will thrive with a steady amount of light. If you are unsure about the amount of light you plant is getting, all you need to do is look at the leaves. A plant getting too much light will have a reddish tone in the leaves. A plant getting too little light will have deep jade colored leaves. You want your leaves to be bright emerald green. The perfect place to rest your plant is in a south window where it will get plenty of light but occasional rests from the heat as well. If you placed it indoors, you can get the best lighting equipment for your plants on archute.com.

3. Fertilizing

Don’t use basic houseplant food or fertilizer on your orchid. Instead, use an orchid fertilizer sold at garden shops. It will have the nutrients your orchid needs to thrive. You can fertilize once a month, but don’t feed it more than that. Otherwise, you can burn the plant and kill it quickly.

4. Blooms

Enjoy the colorful blooms while they put on their show for you. Once the bloom is expired, go ahead and snip it off. You want to cut it right below the bloom, as this will encourage a new one to start. Don’t worry if you don’t see new blooms right away, it may take a little time.

5. Replanting

There is no rush to replant or repot your orchid. They can stay in the pot they are in for as long as 18-24 months. For the time being, feel free to enjoy it in the pot it is in!