As a hobby, caring for indoor orchids can be very rewarding because they are so beautiful. Even though they can be difficult to care for at times, the rewards are all the sweeter when you get it right. Worrying about whether your efforts have been fruitful is the pits.
So, when do orchids begin to bloom when kept in a house or office? Orchids come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can have a year-round display by choosing wisely. However, they are more likely to bloom in the winter months. There are some exceptions to this rule for orchids, which prefer cooler temperatures. A cold room or different climate may allow you to have continuous flowerings, but this is extremely rare.
Varieties’ bloom times can be summed up as follows:
- Cattleyas bloom in the winter and continue to bloom until the end of spring.
- Flowering begins in winter and continues until spring with Lady’s Slipper.
- Moth orchids bloom in the dead of winter and bloom until the end of spring or the beginning of summer.
If you’re not sure how to care for them, then you might miss out on the beauty of their blooms. There are, however, ways to ensure that you get the most out of their blooms and ways that may speed up the process. Here are some suggestions to get you started if that’s something you’re thinking about.
In-Home Orchid Watering
Odonates may be found throughout the world, but this does not mean they require a lot of water. When it comes to orchids, many people overwater them and wonder why their plants aren’t blooming or why they die so quickly. You don’t have to worry about being one of those people now that you’ve found us.
1. Submerge
In order for your orchid to thrive, it needs to be kept in a clear container with soil, bark, or some other potting medium. This can be placed in a container that complements the rest of your home’s decor. As an alternative, the clear container can be an eye-catching design element, but most homeowners prefer it hidden.
Use distilled water to submerge your orchid. Instead, boil some regular tap water and let it cool before using it. Submerge the roots to their full depth in the clear container and holding pot.
Remove the orchid from the water after about 10 to 15 minutes of soaking. For about 5 minutes after removing it, you’ll need to allow it to drain (maybe a bit longer).
Make sure to flush out any remaining water from your orchid’s holding pot before returning it to its home.
Orchids do not require a lot of water, as we stated earlier. This is why you shouldn’t do this every day, because it will do serious harm to your plant!!! The best way to keep it clean is to submerge it once a week.
2. Cubes of Ice
If you haven’t heard of this method before, you should.
Plants benefit greatly from the use of ice cubes (small to medium-sized ones from a tray). Improved absorption and preventing root rot are the main benefits of using these. Using this system eliminates the risk of overwatering your plants as well.
How and when should you use ice cubes to water your orchids? Apply ice to the bark or soil once a week. To avoid putting it directly on the leaves, you should aim for the ground beneath them. Make sure the holding pot doesn’t have any water in it before you do this so that you can just tip it out and throw it away.
3. Pour
When it comes to the circular pour, coffee drinkers are likely to be experts. Despite the fact that submerging or using ice cubes isn’t the best option, there are times and situations where this method is necessary. We now arrive at the pouring technique.
Water
Just as with the submersion method, you’ll want to use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water for this procedure.
Using a watering can is fine for orchids in large pots or in locations where they cannot be removed. However, keep in mind that not all large pots come equipped with holes for drainage.
When watering this way, be extremely cautious. The roots of your orchid will rot if they are constantly submerged in water, and the plant will eventually die as a result. Additionally, avoid dredging the leaves, as this will also lead to rotting.
Do not be afraid to give it a whirl and see what happens! If you accidentally spill water on the leaves, simply dab it away with a towel.
Because overwatering is a big problem here, you should only add 14 a cup of water to the pot once a week. This is subject to seasonal variations as well as the location of your plant.
Remember that each Orchid is unique. The monkey face orchid is just one of the many orchid species that can be found. This not only affects their blooming time, but it also affects the amount of water they require! Look at the most popular varieties and their watering requirements. Ready? Let’s get this party started!
Vanda Orchid: They’re going to need a lot of water for this. Ensure that they are always damp. Nevertheless, overwatering should be taken into consideration.
Cymbidium Orchid: This type of soil needs to be constantly moist. We don’t mean wet when we say moist.
Dendrobium Orchid: When these plants are growing, they require a constant supply of water. Allowing the plants to dry out between waterings is necessary when they’re not growing.
Phalaenopsis Orchid: Regardless of whether or not they’re growing, these plants require short periods of dryness between waterings.
Humidity can be controlled.
Because flowers prefer to be in their natural habitat, we who care about plants must do everything we can to provide it for them. Just like with orchids, there are many varieties to choose from. Actually, this is the only way to get that seasonal bloom we talked about.
Don’t worry about it too much. We can assure you that the process is much simpler than it appears.
Misting
When it comes to providing your orchid with the humidity it needs to thrive, misting is the most convenient method. All you have to do is use a fine-mist spray bottle to mist your plant regularly. Establishing a daily routine that includes watering the aerial roots twice daily is recommended. Even if you live in an area that isn’t particularly dry, you may need to do this 3 or 4 times a day.
Gently touch your orchid to see if you’ve overwatered it. To put it another way, you’re more likely to under mist than to over mist. When you notice a plant’s leaves turning yellow at the tips, twisted flowers, or falling buds, it’s time to take action. Mist more if you experience any of these symptoms. For mold and other signs of decay, use less mist!
Light can be controlled
Lighting is another critical factor in ensuring that you’ll be able to fully appreciate your orchid’s charm and beauty. Even though each species of orchid is unique, there are a few general rules to keep in mind when caring for them. However, before making a purchase, make sure to read the label to learn about the product’s specific lighting preferences.
Direct sunlight is an absolute no-no.
It is possible for your orchid to become sunburned after only a few hours of exposure to direct sunlight. You have to be careful because it happens so quickly! As a general rule, you should keep your orchid in a room that stays at a consistent temperature throughout the day, has no drafts, and receives indirect sunlight.
Observing the Effects of Sunlight
To determine whether the light in your room is suitable for your orchid, simply place your hand in front of it. A soft grey shadow cast by your hand above your plant’s leaves indicates that your orchid is in the best possible position.
To Make Them Bloom, Trim Them.
Pruning your orchids in the fall is essential if you want them to continue blooming year after year (i.e. their hibernation period). Many people are afraid of this, but as with anything, it is simple if you know how to do it.
Your tools must be sanitized first before you begin this procedure. Soap and hot water should be sufficient for most, but a flame will be required for those that aren’t coated (either from a stone, lighter or bunsen burner).
Pruning can begin as soon as everything has been set up.
- Healthy spikes (the green ones) should always be left alone.
- Trim an inch above the lowest flower bloom node for green ones.
- For orchids with two spikes, you will need to cut one at the base and the other an inch above the lowest flower bloom.
- Always make diagonal cuts when you’re cutting.
It will be easier for your orchid if you prune it so that it can put its energy into reblooming (in other words, on making strong leaves and roots). We understand how scary it can be to cut into your plant, but we can assure you that the benefits will outweigh the risks.
An Unintentional Cut
There is a chance that you could accidentally snip a small portion of the leaf, which could cause the entire plant to die.
The Verdict
There is no reason why your orchids should not bloom on time if you follow our top tips and tricks for orchid care! All it takes is a little time and tender loving care to see these lovely creatures in good health and spirits. It’s worth your time and effort to learn how to care for orchids.
