Care for your Orchids

Grow and keep your Orchids healthy

Many people think keeping orchids is difficult and often get rid of the plant once it has bloomed. With a little care and nurture you'll be able to enjoy these wonderful plants for many years and will bloom every year, sometimes multiple times a year.

What do you do with an orchid after the blooms fall off?

You have got three choices after the flowers drop from the orchid: leave the flower spike intact, cut it back to a node, or you can also remove it completely. You can remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant which is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts turning brown or yellow.

Do orchids need direct sunlight?

As we know orchids thrive in sunshine and typically the living room area of homes tend to get the most sunlight. Indirect sunlight is best, so one of the recommended places to keep your orchid is near a south or east-facing window.

How often should orchids be watered?

How often you water an orchid depends on the species and the environment they're kept in but on average, the majority of orchids can be watered once a week to every 10 days. It's important to ensure that you don't oversaturate them. Most chlorinated tap water can be used as long as the chlorine isn't excessive, though London areas are typically known for having hard water with high mineral content so we would suggest watering your orchids with collected rain or distilled water from the supermarket. Don't be tempted to use ice cubes as they can damage the plants and their roots.

Will an orchid bloom again?

Once your orchid has stopped blooming, it will enter a stage called dormancy. It may seem like your plant is dead at first, but it is more like in a hibernation state so don't lose hope! After that, your orchid will have the energy to bloom once again. Sometimes orchids need some help with this process and require even more attention than they did before.

Where is the best place to put an orchid?

We suggest that the ideal spot for growing orchids is either south or east-facing windows. Usually west windows are too hot (maybe not in the U.K) while northern windows are too dark (sounds about right). Placing orchids under artificial lights is the last resort if you can't find a good location to grow your orchids.

How do I know if my orchid needs water?

Green roots are receiving the perfect amount of water.
Brown and soggy roots are receiving too much water- slow down!
Grey or white roots mean they're parched and not receiving the ideal amount of water.

What is the best potting mix for orchids?

The most commonly used potting media for orchids include Fir and Monterey bark as it is long-lasting, free-draining and porous. Clay pellets are often added to mixes to prevent compaction and allow for more drainage, though it must be leached as it absorbs salts.

Can orchids grow without soil?

Orchids are able to grow without soil. Even though they require a small amount of soil to germinate in, as they mature they need decreasing amounts of soil. In their native habitat, orchids are air plants, meaning that they root in very little soil, often on tree limbs, and get most of what they need from the air.