Orchid Care: How to Keep Your Orchid Blooming for Months 🌸

An orchid is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give. With the right care, a Phalaenopsis orchid can bloom for two to three months, and often flowers again afterwards. The good news: orchids need less attention than most people think.

The right spot

Orchids love light, but not direct sun. A spot near an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Direct midday sun can burn the leaves, while a dark corner means the flowers won't last as long. A room temperature between 18 and 25 °C is perfect. Keep your orchid away from radiators, cold draughts and the fruit bowl.

How much water does an orchid need?

Most orchids die from too much water, not too little. A simple rule:

• Water about once a week, a little less in winter.
• Place the inner pot in a bowl of room-temperature water for about 10 minutes, so the bark can soak it up.
• Let it drain well before putting it back in the decorative pot. Never leave the roots standing in water.
• Look at the roots: silvery-grey means it's time to water, green means there's still enough moisture.

Avoid getting water in the heart of the plant, where the leaves meet. Standing water there can cause rot.

Feeding

Give your orchid special orchid food about once a month, added to the water. Don't use regular plant food: it's too strong for the sensitive roots. This is not neccessary the first time it will bloom.

When the flowers fall

It's completely normal for the flowers to drop after a few months. That doesn't mean your orchid is dead. You have two options:

• Cut the flower stem just above the second or third node (the small bumps on the stem). A new branch with flowers may grow from there.
• Or cut the stem off completely just above the leaves. The plant can then rest and build up energy for a new stem.

How to get your orchid to bloom again

Orchids often start a new flower stem after a period of slightly cooler nights. Placing your orchid in a room that is a few degrees cooler at night for a few weeks can help. Keep watering and feeding as usual, and be patient: a new stem can take a few months.

Common problems

• Yellow leaves at the bottom: an old leaf dying off is normal. Several yellow leaves usually point to too much water.
• Wrinkled, limp leaves: often a sign of too little water, or of roots that have rotted.
• Buds falling before they open: usually caused by draught, a big temperature change or ripening fruit nearby.

Orchids from Daily Flowers

Our orchids are a long-lasting gift that is also safe for cats and dogs. Discover elegant white orchids like the White Orchid Theatro, or colourful options like Bellissimo Amore in our full orchid collection.