Orchids, in the opinion of many flower admirers, are a sight to behold. Orchids, which were once only available to the wealthy, are now available to everyone, just like cut flowers and common houseplants.
The care of orchids doesn’t have to be difficult, regardless of whether you’re a first-time orchid owner or have a large collection. It all comes down to ensuring that your orchid receives the proper amount of water, temperature, and a growing environment that promotes optimal growth.
Is there anything you’d like to know about these beautiful blooms? Learn how to take care of orchids with our how-to guide.
Orchids come in a wide variety of varieties.
Orchids come in a dizzying array of colors, shapes, and varieties. Orchids, one of the world’s most diverse plant families, include species native to tropical rainforests as well as hardy varieties found in northern climates like Minnesota and Canada.
Do some research before bringing an orchid into your home, as they all require slightly different care.
“As an example, phalaenopsis orchids (also known as moth orchids) are epiphytic, which means their roots do not grow in soil. In contrast, some orchids require soil to grow, such as those found in the Lowe’s store in Pymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, where Steven Hahn works as a live good merchandising manager. There are some orchids that prefer constant moisture, while there are others that require more drying time between waterings in order to avoid disease.
Phaenopsis, dendrobium, cymbidium (boat orchids), cattleya, vanda (Singapore orchids), and paphiopedilum are some of the most popular orchids that are commonly available (Venus slipper).
Every orchid is unique and has a different blooming time for each species.
As there are so many varieties to choose from, you can have at least one blooming in your home at any given time.
My standard answer, when asked about the length of time an orchid’s blooms last, is as follows: There are a few things you can do to prolong the blooming period of your orchids. Make the most of your orchids by following these simple tips. You’ll be able to enjoy the blooms for as long as possible.
Choose a Quality Orchid at the Store
While it may be alluring to buy the orchid with the most eye-catching blooms, this usually means that it is nearing the end of its blooming cycle rather than the start.
After a few weeks, your orchid’s flowers may begin to die and fall off of the plant.
An orchid that has a healthy flower spike, some unopened buds, and evidence that the spike itself is still growing and producing new buds is much preferable for picking.
If you follow these steps, you can expect to have fresh flowers for several weeks, if not months.
Maintaining a Consistent Temperature is Beneficial for Your Orchids
Your orchids should be kept in a slightly cooler environment to promote flowering and growth, as well as to extend their flowering period.
Avoid causing stress to your orchid by exposing it to excessively hot or cold conditions when purchasing and transporting it to your home. It may be a good idea to buy an orchid at the end of your shopping list so that you can get it home quickly and put it in the best possible conditions.
Most common orchid varieties thrive in temperatures ranging from 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C) when kept indoors.
Avoiding sudden temperature changes in your home will also help your plant to bloom longer by reducing the stress it experiences.
The Best Places to Put Orchids Around the House
When deciding where to place orchids in your home, keep in mind the temperature and lighting conditions.
It’s best not to place your orchid in a place where it’ll be exposed to either hot or cold air.
This can lead to a shorter blooming period or even the failure of some developing buds if your orchid is frequently exposed to cold drafts.
Excessive stress on flowers can cause drying, wilting, and reduced bloom time if they are frequently exposed to warm drafts or hot, dry air. To learn more about orchids and how to incorporate them into your home, click here.
Orchids that receive the right amount of light can bloom longer and more frequently.
When placed inappropriate lighting, orchids will bloom for longer periods of time because they prefer indirect but bright light. Photosynthesis is reduced when there is not enough light, which can have a negative impact on the ability to maintain current blooms and produce the next flower spike and flowers.
Excessive, direct sunlight can cause the flowers and leaves to dry out and even be scorched by the heat. This can cause the orchid’s existing flowers to wither quickly, and it could even cause the orchid to die.
An Orchid That Has Been Watered Properly Can Bloom for Months at a Time
If you don’t give orchids enough water, they’ll suffer, which reduces the amount of time they have to bloom. A pot with numerous drainage holes is the ideal container for orchids, which should always be potted in a well-draining medium.
Excessive watering and/or letting orchids sit in water can cause root suffocation, which can be fatal to the plant.
To avoid overwatering, keep an eye on the potting media and don’t water it until it is almost completely dry.
Take care not to wet the leaves or flowers while soaking the roots thoroughly. A properly hydrated orchid is more likely to produce beautiful flowers, which can then be enjoyed as a house decoration for years to come.
Beware of Insects That Pollinate
It is common for orchid flowers to die quickly after pollination because they have fulfilled their biological purpose. It’s a good idea to keep pollinating insects away from your orchid growing area.
Humidity
Orchid blooms require a certain amount of humidity to remain healthy and vibrant for as long as possible. In extremely dry conditions, orchid blooms may wilt and suffer from excessive stress. They may also drop early. Most common orchid varieties do well in environments with humidity levels above 40%, which is the norm in most houses.
There are a variety of ways to increase humidity in homes that aren’t getting it from other sources. A humidifier or a simple humidity tray under the orchid pot can raise the humidity levels to a satisfactory level by increasing the room’s overall humidity.
Avoid Using Fruit And Air Fresheners Around Your Orchids.
When the fruit ripens and air fresheners are used, ethylene gas is released, which can harm the health of your orchid blooms and cause them to wilt and die early. As a result, ripening fruit and air fresheners should be kept away from your orchid.
Don’t Mist Your Orchids To Protect Their Blooms from Harm.
Humidity is ideal for orchids, but misting the blooms on a regular basis can increase the risk of fungal disease, which can lead to discolored spots on the flowers or premature flower drop.
It’s understandable that some people might be skeptical of this recommendation, given that orchids — particularly the common varieties grown at home — are native to the rainforest. Fungal disease can be a problem for orchids in rainforests because of their frequent rainfall and humid conditions. As a result of the wet flowers and the low airflow in most indoor spaces, orchids grown in these environments are much more likely to succumb to fungal disease.
Depending on the type of orchid, the blooming period can vary greatly.
Despite the fact that these orchid blooming tips provide a general guide, there are differences between the common varieties of orchids, and I recommend looking for information specific to your orchid variety in addition to this guide. The phalaenopsis orchid is the most commonly purchased type of orchid, and I’ve written an in-depth guide on how to care for these wonderful orchids here.
Make Room For New Flowers On Your Orchids’ Bouquets
Orchids bloom for a shorter period of time than previously thought. Once or twice a year, orchids can bloom for months at a time for many years.
If cared for properly, orchids can live for decades and continue to bloom for many years.
Most people assume an orchid is dead once its blooming period has ended, and so they neglect or discard it. This always makes me sad.
An orchid in the vegetative state requires very little attention, and you’ll see a new flower spike in just a few months, so you won’t have to wait long before your orchid is blooming again.
