ORCHID CARE

During the warm summer months when days are long, more frequent watering is required than in the cooler, shorter days of the winter. We recommend watering your orchid one to two times per week during the late spring, summer, and early fall. For the remaining months, water your orchid once every two to three weeks while the plant is in a state of “rest”. Be sure to use room temperature water. Unfortunately, watering frequently will kill the roots of any orchid. They do however enjoy a thorough soaking when it comes time for watering. Make sure to only water the roots and soil, not the leaves and flowers.

 
Temperature and Light:

Orchids enjoy indirect sunlight for at least 8 hours. Never provide full sun for an orchid plant, they will burn. Keep orchids away from hot or cold drafts. Temperatures of 70-80 degrees during the daytime are ideal, while during the night they like temperatures at 60-70 degrees.

 

Most orchids have a growing season followed by a resting period. This rest can last for a few weeks to several months. When the plant is not blooming, they put energy into making new leaves and roots. You know your orchid has entered a state of rest when the roots are no longer shiny and light green. During rest, continue to provide water and good light.

 

A good time to repot your orchid is between the resting period and the commencement of the new growth, catching the plant just before the new roots are made. Do not repot at the beginning of the resting period. Choose a proper pot size allowing room for two years of growth. Keep them in pots with lots of drainage to avoid root rot. Orchids grow well in plastic pots but if you tend to over water, clay pots may work better for you since they are porous.