Partner Post: How to Grow Thriving Orchids
Orchids are for everyone. These showy plants have fabulous blooms that last for months on end. With many varieties, spectacular colors and exotic shapes, they’re the perfect choice to add beauty and style to any home. The best part is that orchids are surprisingly easy to grow.
There are so many benefits to having houseplants, so why not add an orchid to your collection?
The hardest part about gardening with orchids is choosing which one you like best. Pick an orchid in a single color such as purple, pink, or yellow for a pop of color. For a more captivating look, choose one with fun splashes of color.
Whatever you choose, you can help orchids bloom and keep them happy with a few simple tips.
Picking The Perfect Orchid
In any orchid you're considering, look for:
- Bloom power. A plant loaded with flower buds with only a few flowers fully opened will provide the most reward. The rest of the buds will open at home.
- Healthy glow. Look for a plant with firm, bright green leaves. Check that the roots are not brown or shriveled.
- The right temperature. A few minutes of too hot or too cold temperatures can impact new blooms. Help your new orchid to transition easily by not leaving it in the car for too long.
Caring For New Orchids
Take these steps to help your orchids thrive:
- Just the Right Light. Orchids like bright light, but not direct sun. Avoid placing the plant in cold, drafty locations.
- Don’t Forget to Water. Allow water to flow through drainage holes then drain excess water completely. This is best done in the sink. Water again only when soil is completely dry or the pot feels light.
- Feed Blooms. Feed with Espoma’s Orchid! liquid fertilizer to give your plant the nutrients it needs.
- Give it Time. Once all flowers have withered, cut back the stem halfway. If the stem has turned brown or died, cut back to the base of the plant.
- Repot if Needed. Generally, these plants need to be re-potted once a year. You’ll know it’s time when you see yellow foliage, lack of growth, dead or damage roots, or when the plant starts growing over the edge of the pot. The best time to re-pot is just after flowering, or when new growth appears. Use Espoma’s Organic Orchid Mix for best results.
Brown thumbs can easily turn green. Learn more about caring for houseplants here.