Environment
Generally, most of the orchids are originally from tropical climates that prefer a warmer temperature and moderate sunlight and water. Follow these tips below in order to help you take good care of your orchids.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for orchids is between 65-75°F. It is okay for orchids to experience gradual temperature changes from daytime to nighttime, but extreme temperature changes will damage them. Therefore, it is recommended to keep orchids indoors. To keep orchids safe and healthy, it is important to keep them away from heat sources such as gas stoves and fireplaces.
Light
Place the orchid in indirect sunlight. This not only provides your orchid with adequate light, but it also prevents it from rapid temperature changes. However, if the leaves of the orchid are not keeping their healthy green color, the orchid isn’t getting the proper amount of sunlight. Therefore, if the leaves have a darker color, the orchid needs more sunlight. On the contrary, leaves that are reddish mean that the orchid is receiving too much sunlight.
WATER
An orchid prefers rational water absorption from their roots. So rather than watering the flowers or leaves, we suggest watering the media (moss or bark) in order to keep the orchid hydrated. Generally, orchids need to be watered every 7-14 days. However, if an orchid is in a place that is too hot or dry, it is suggested to water it more often. Check the surface of the media, watering it until the pot is full, but remember to not over water.
REPOT AND REBLOOM YOUR ORCHIDS
Repotting
Orchids do not like to be moved frequently. Therefore, it is recommended to repot orchids every one or two years. If an orchid’s pot happens to be broken or deconstructed, we suggest repotting it in the spring or right after the flowers fall off. While repotting an orchid, the rotted roots and old medium need to be removed. Next, spread the remaining roots in the new medium of a new pot. Sphagnum moss is a good medium for repotting as it keeps the roots tight and holds the water nicely. This will keep your orchid healthy.
Reblooming
An orchid’s first bloom can last several weeks or months. During this time, fertilizing is not necessary. However, when the flowers all fall off, it is recommended that fertilizer is added in order to have a healthy second bloom. Fertilizing the orchid monthly is a great way to keep it maintained and healthy. You may decide to use orchid fertilizer, balanced fertilizer, or other fertilizer. You may follow the instructions below to rebloom your orchid.
- 1To give an orchid a fresh start when it comes to reblooming, cut the flower spike off with a small angle above the first node from the bottom. You can also cut where the spikes have turned yellow or brown.
- 2Continue with your original watering and fertilizing routine, and wait until your orchid grows a new leaf that is similar in size to the previous ones.
- 3Replace your orchid to a cooler room (55-65°F) with a little less sunlight in order to let it grow a new flower spike. As soon as your orchid starts spiking, return it to its previous spot, and make sure the temperature is between 65–75°F and in indirect sunlight. Generally, our orchids can grow one or two new flower spikes a year.
- 4Don’t forget to continue with irrigation. You may want to fertilize your orchid more often in order to provide nutrition for new flowers. Wait for a few more months, and you may just get a second bloom from your orchid.
- 5Wait a few more months for the spike to grow taller and for newer flowers. Once the spike reaches about 5 inches, you can start supporting the spike with a stake and loose tie. If you don’t get a new flower spike after a couple of months, try moving the orchid to a different location. The orchid may not be getting enough light or cool enough temperatures.