Orchids...What I Know & Why I Love Them
My very favorite orchid species, Phalaenopsis. Also commonly known as, white orchids. Spruce-us.com
I’m often asked how I get my orchids to do so well. I wish I had a clear cut answer to this question every time someone ask me. It’s a very organic way of care for me. I’m always more than happy to share what works for me but I think it’s a try as you go type thing. There are lots of variables to consider (which we’ll get into a bit later).
It’s a don’t be afraid type thing. Yes, I actually know people who say they are afraid to buy orchids because they just know they’ll end up killing them. They tell me they are just too fragile for them to take care of so they are afraid to try. AFRAID! I honestly hear that word A LOT when people ask me about my orchids.
SO many gorgeous species & colors to choose from! Spruce-us.com
For me, the sheer love for orchids made me want to know ALL I could about them (and how not to kill them). I have bought several books over the years, read every magazine or online article I’ve run across. I’ve spoken to commercial orchid growers & people who work in orchid nurseries at great length about the process of growing orchids and how to best take care of them.
Every little tidbit of information I’ve learned over the years has been very interesting to say the least but in the end, I realized I’m best running on instinct and a bit of common sense. Over the years, I’ve tried various suggestions or advice (use orchid food, watering schedules, placement, etc., etc.) but my orchids actually do best with less. Less water, less light, less attention in general really!
Although white orchids are my favorite in my home, I do adore a pale pink shade of orchid as well. Spruce-us.com
Through trial and error, I have found over the years how orchids thrive best for me. This isn’t to say that it’s the best for everyone & every home. Hopefully, you can take into consideration what works for me and apply it to your situation with a few tweaks.
I live in balmy, VERY humid, coastal Florida. Orchids LOVE humidity! Even in the winter, it’s still relatively humid here compared to many other places. We rarely have a freeze and if we do, it’s usually not what’s considered a “hard freeze” and any freezing weather here only last for a few hours overnight. We live at the beach so even in the winter months, I rarely bring my outdoor orchids inside.
Yes, I have some orchids that live outside on my back patio and some that live inside. The ones that live outside, are on a covered patio in a shaded area. They re-bloom pretty much every year. I say pretty much because occasionally for whatever reason one may not. As long as the leaves look healthy (not turning yellow or mushy or falling off), I know they’ll bloom again.
The “inside” orchids do not always bloom every year but the leaves stay beautiful and if I want them to bloom I can always put them on the patio for a month or so & when they start to bloom again, I bring them in so they can show off a bit.
I know from trial & error that you shouldn’t put any orchid near an A/C vent. They are not fond of A/C. They do not like direct sunlight either. Whether inside or outside, orchids don’t like direct sunlight. Finding a good spot where your orchids will feel at home & thrive is half the battle, if you ask me.
Also, a little water goes a LOOOOONG way when it comes to orchids. Once upon a time, I tried sticking to a very rigid orchid watering schedule. Trust me…don’t do this! Orchids do much, much better a little on the dry side than overwatered. I use the “eyeball & touch method” now. I look at the leaves, I touch the top of the roots and water accordingly. This is easier than it sounds once you get to know your orchids and what they need. None of mine have the exact same needs. Depends on where they live (in or out), the species, the size of the orchid. They are very much like kids when I think about it. Each has their own needs & temperament (or at least mine do).
When you do water, just a “sip” will normally be enough. I occasionally (like at most, once a year) take them out of their pots (except for the enormous big pot of orchids I have on my patio shown at top) and run water through their roots for a total & thorough watering. I wait until all of the water has run through before putting them back in their pots. You don’t want them to ever sit in water. It roots will rot and you’ll see shortly thereafter that the leaves will start to get mushy & dull. Not good.
A multi-stem orchid I’ve had for YEARS. Spruce-us.com
If you do have an orchid that develops yellow leaves, that typically means your orchid is getting too much light, or so the experts say. Cut a yellow leaf off and move the orchid to another location. With time, it will usually bounce back and even bloom again.
I personally never use orchid food on any of my orchids. Some people swear by it (mostly places that sell orchids & orchid food it seems). I’ve heard different opinions on whether to use it or not so as long as my orchids are thriving, I don’t use it. I never have.
Find a happy spot for them! Give them a sip of water when needed (way less than you’d ever dream they need to stay alive). If you live in cold climates, bring them indoors during cool/cold months (if you don’t have a greenhouse). If you don’t want non-blooming orchids in your home during winter months (which I totally understand) put them in your garage or basement (if it doesn’t get too cold), a spare room that you don’t use for guests or someplace out of sight. I know people who gather up all of their orchids during non-blooming season & put them all in a spare (non-used) bathtub until it’s time to put them back out for their blooming season. Personally, I just cut the stems down to the leaves after mine have finished blooming and leave them where they live year around. I think the leaves are beautiful, especially if they are in pretty containers.
Basically, if you love orchids…start with one. See how you do. After all, one orchid is all a home might need anyway. Again, a little goes a long way especially if it’s a large multi-stem orchid. Maybe start with a small variety and get the feel of it first. Orchids can be costly for sure (especially if you’re killing them off one by one). Depending on where you live, an orchid can easily cost $40-$60 even for a small one.
My orchid advice is…find a happy spot for your orchid, water very little, cut any yellow leaves off, no direct sunlight, don’t place under or near an A/C vent, cut the stem/stems down to the leaves once it stops blooming for the season and just let it be.
OH! One other thing. Support your orchid as it grows so the stem doesn’t snap from the weight of the blooms. You can find bamboo stakes & clips for your orchid at most garden centers or wherever you buy your orchid. They usually come with. Just remember to save those stakes & clips after you cut the stems off and save for when the stems start growing back. Have faith and be brave!
Even if you lose an orchid or two in the learning process (sad but it happens to the best of us as we start out), you’ll learn so much. Patience being one of those lessons for me. Patience & the lesson of less is more.
I think if you love your orchid(s), they’ll love you back. Eventually. Keep trying. You’ll get it. I did!
Happy Sprucing!
Scarlett