How to look after an orchid?

Although orchids are one of the most mesmerizing plant gifts, they are notorious for being hard to keep alive. However, if you become acquainted with our concise entry on how to look after this flower, you’ll see those nurturing orchids and ensuring their longevity is a piece of cake. Let’s start, shall we?

How to look after an orchid

Orchids - a short introduction

Robyn once said that “the orchid is Mother Nature's masterpiece” and it’s hard to argue with this statement.

Taking appropriate care of this captivating plant requires a bit of knowledge. It often happens that people who don’t have green fingers or are just starting their adventure with orchids disappointedly notice that blooms begin to fall off despite following care tips. Nevertheless, in some cases it’s a natural stage of the cycle, as typically we can admire orchid flowers in early spring, late fall or winter. 

Just cut off the spikes approximately an inch above the last bloom once all flowers fall off and keep taking care of the plant to enjoy its stunning blooming in a few months.

Unfortunately, in some cases bloom loss may indicate serious problems with the plant. What to pay attention to and how to keep an orchid alive?

How to keep an orchid alive

Symptoms to look out for

If your orchid flowers start to fall off before opening fully, you are probably dealing with the so-called bud blast which means that blooms grow to a certain extent and then stop developing. This phenomenon is usually caused by a sudden change of conditions or environment.

Think if you have recently altered the watering routine of your orchids or if the room temperature and humidity level changed drastically. If so, remove harmful factors and wait for the plant to revive.

How often water an orchid

Placing your orchids close to fruit emitting ethylene gas may also cause bud blast. Therefore, the fruit bowl isn’t the finest location for these plants.

Keep orchid away from fruits

Fortunately, even if your orchid starts to lose flowers and leaves prematurely, it doesn’t mean that you need to throw it away. Now you’ll find out how to create a healthy environment that will encourage orchid reblooming.

How to look after an orchid?

It may come as a surprise, but orchids don’t require intense watering, even despite the fact that they naturally grow in rainforests. So how often should you water an orchid? You can sprinkle it literally every day but submerging the plant into water approximately once a week should be enough. Avoid using tap water and benefit from special flower food. Of course, it’s recommended to observe leaves and roots to come up with the top-notch plant care routine.

Looking after an orchid

Orchids need a stable environment. Thus, don’t be disappointed that your plant constantly loses flowers if you change its location every few months. However, even if the bud blast occurs, don’t throw your orchid away. Instead, let it acclimatize and patiently wait for new blooms - they can appear extremely quickly, or you may need to wait even five months. There’s no rule. 

orchid how to look after

Last but not least - orchids appreciate the sun so place them on the east side and enjoy stunning blooms! Hopefully this article will help you understand your orchids better.

See our: orchid bouquets.