One of the most common houseplants all over the world is the orchid. They last as long as flowers, have exquisite shapes and colors that will lighten up any room.
Many believe that orchids are hard to grow, yet the fact is that they only require conducive conditions.
We will show you everything that you need to know: how to care for an indoor orchid plant, how frequently to water an orchid plant, do orchid plants need light, and how to take care of a potted orchid plant once it has already bloomed.
Do it this way and your orchid will keep on coming back to life with flowers every year.
How to Take Care of an Orchid Plant
Orchids are beautiful and elegant flowers that seem fancy, but they’re easy to look after once you know a few simple tricks.
This blog will walk you through step by step: How do you care for an indoor orchid plant? How often should you water an orchid plant? Do orchid plants need sunlight? How do you take care of a potted orchid after it blooms? Let’s dive in.
Understand About Indoor Orchid Plants
Orchids like Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) are the most common type found at home. These are not planted in regular soil they naturally grow on trees and rocks in jungles, where air and moisture reach their roots easily.
To make them happy inside, you just give them similar conditions: good light, proper water, fresh air, and a comfy temperature.
- Orchids thrive in sunny conditions, but avoid direct sunlight. East-facing or north-facing windows are ideal, or a shaded south/west window
- Check leaf color: too dark means not enough light; too pale or yellow means sunlight is too strong.
- Avoid intense midday or afternoon sun, as it can burn the leaves and harm your orchid.
What Are the Indoor Orchids Plant Care Tips?
Indoors, orchid care begins with knowledge of their origin. The vast majority of orchids' natural habitat is tropical, tend to prefer areas rich in heat and sunlight.
They no longer turn up soil to reside in, but rather, the roots of these plants are hung on trees where they can get good air circulation, moisture-filled air, and gentle light. To recreate that indoors:
Light
Keep the orchid in high-yet filtered light. A window facing east is perfect. With a south or west window, use a sheer curtain to soften the sun.
Potting mix
Orchids prefer to grow in normal potting soil. Use a special orchid mix consisting of either bark, moss, or coconut husk, which can allow access to air to the roots.
Air-circulation
Orchids do not like stagnant air. Having a room that has a natural breeze or even a light fan around will help avert issues.
Temperature
The majority of orchids prefer temperatures during the day of between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24 °C) and a little cooler at night. Provided that these conditions are met, your orchid will remain robust and healthy.
Do Orchid Plants Need Sunlight?
Yes, orchids require light to live and flower, yet full sunlight would damage them. Bright, indirect light is the safest for 6 8 hours a day.
- Not enough light: Leaves will appear dark green; the orchid might fail to bloom.
- Excessive light: Leaves get yellow, or become dry or even scorched.
What to do? You can watch the leaves to make sure your orchid is happy. The normal color of an orchid leaf is medium green. Darkness is the lack of sufficient light; pale or yellow is the excess. When your house is dimly lit, you can make use of a miniature grow light, which is typically used on house plants.
Do Orchid Plants Require Watering and Fertilizing?
The most common error is over-watering. Orchids prefer to be wet but should also dry a little in between watering.
General rule: In the typical household, the use of water is less than once a week. You can require every 4-5 days, especially in hot and dry weather. When the weather is cool and damp, one in 10 days is sufficient.
Do a basic test: When the roots are turning silvery or grey, then it is time to water. Wait a few more days, are they bright green? Put your finger in the mix an inch. Wet upon; dry upon.
Require Watering
- Carry the pot to the washstand.
- Empty the pot and run the water through it at a warm temperature of 10 15 seconds.
- Drain all the water. The orchid should never be left standing in water.
- Do not use the technique known as the ice cube that you might find on the Internet. Orchids are tropical plants, and thus freezing ice water may destroy roots.
Fertilizing Orchids:
- Orchids require small quantities of food to flourish and blossom. Use a balanced fertilizer that can be an orchid mix (20-20-20 or one like it).
- Apply fertilizer 2x/month during the spring and summer (growth season), at half the label strength.
- During autumn and winter, one month is sufficient.
- Occasionally, add plain water to the pot to flush out any build-up of fertilizers and salt deposits each month.
What Do You Do with a Potted Orchid Following Bloom?
When your orchid is over, it does not mean that you discard it. Duly treated, it can flower in the following season. This is what you should do:
Cut back the spike of flowers
- In the event that the stem has turned brown and dry, cut off the stem at its base close to the leaves.
- In case it still may be green, mow around the level of the second or third bud (the tiny lumps on the stem). This can promote an additional flower stem.
Resting period
Orchids just take a rest for a few months after blooming. Continue to feed them light, water, and fertilizer, but there may be signs of less growth until another cycle.
Additional Tips for Caring for Orchids
- Humidity: Orchids prefer high humidity, 40 -60 %. Set the pot on a plant tray with pebbles and water, or operate a humidifier if it is extremely dry at home.
- Cleaning of leaves: Take a wet cloth and clean the leaves once a month. This assists them in absorbing more light.
- Pests: Watch out for the mealybugs or the scale insects. When you see them, wipe with a cotton ball that is covered with rubbing alcohol.
Orchids: Perfect Gift for Every Occasion
Orchids are long-lasting and affordable, which makes them a caring birthday, anniversary, or just to make someone smile gift. Orchids, unlike cut flowers that die soon, can flower for weeks at a time and last the entire year as long as proper care is given.
We provide high-quality orchids and fine arrangements at CPlants and deliver them to all points of the UAE. Orchids show that they never go out of fashion, whether one is decorating their home or honoring a special person.
Final Thought
The orchid is a complex plant, but it requires an equal portion of light, water, air, and love. Learn about their basic requirements, and you will be treated to beautiful blossoms year after year with your orchid.
So, the next time you ask yourself, How do you care for an indoor orchid plant? Simply make sure you keep it in the bright light, do not over-water it, and treat it with care.
Feel like surprising somebody with an orchid now? Browse our finest range of orchids at CPlants, which fills the room with enduring flowers.