Gardening 101: Orchids

Orchids are some of the most beautiful flowers. They make great indoor plants and they are easy to maintain if you know the basics. Many people are unsure of how to properly care for these plants and therefore stay away from growing them. With a few key growing instructions, orchids can look amazing in your home too.

All orchids featured in this post are from Martha's Greenhouse in Windsor. You can also find Martha's Greenhouse on Facebook!

Watering

The number one problem with orchids is overwatering. If the soil is constantly moist, it can result in root rot. Root rot destroys the orchid's roots and there is no way for the plant to take in nourishment. This will eventually kill the orchid.

Many people fear they will kill the plant if they don't water. It is actually very unlikely that an orchid will suffer from underwatering.

Experts recommend using a wooden toothpick and skewer to check moisture levels. The wood will darken if the soil is wet. If you are still unsure, wait one more day to water. At Martha's, we typically water our orchids once a week. So pick a day you'll remember.

Water your orchid in the morning to make sure any excess water on the plant evaporates by evening. Watering also depends on the heat and humidity levels in your home. These factors could result in more frequent waterings.

If watering in the sink, use lukewarm water. Water for 10-15 seconds. Allow the plant to drain out into the sink for a few minutes. If using a plastic saucer to catch excess water, be sure not to allow the container to sit in water.

Feeding

Orchids should be fed regularly with a balanced fertilizer combination of 20/20/20. This combination should be sufficient for your plant. Fertilize plant every two weeks in the Spring/Summer and once a month in the Fall/Winter.

Light

Orchids need plenty of light. Windows facing East and South are best for orchids. West light is often too hot in the afternoon while North windows are too shady. Too much direct light can cause the leaves to burn. Insufficient light is the main reason an orchid doesn't rebloom. So move around the plant if necessary.

Repotting

There are a couple reasons to repot an orchid. The main reason is if the plant out grows the pot. This shouldn't be determined by the size of the plant, but by their roots. If the roots are compacted then it is time to repot. Roots will begin to grow out of the drainage holes leaving the plant stunted in its growth. During this process, plants can be split if necessary, but be careful. Typically, most orchids don't need to be repotted during their first year.