How to Grow and Care for an Orchid So It Blooms for Years

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are a striking indoor plant that can double as home décor when displayed in an equally as beautiful container. While the plant has a reputation for being difficult to care for, orchids can live for up to 15 years under the right conditions. There are about 25,000 species of orchids to choose from, but one of the easiest to grow is the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). No matter which variety you choose to bring home with you, there are a few things to know when caring for an orchid to ensure it flourishes in your home. Ahead, experts share their tips for growing and caring for an orchid.

Orchid Care

Orchids are easy to grow and maintain when their light, soil, water, and fertilizer needs are met. When caring for an orchid, keep the following requirements in mind:

Water

Overwatering is a common reason orchids don't survive. You should aim to water the plant just before the soil dries out. One way to gauge this is by how heavy the pot feels. The heavier it is, the more water the soil contains.

"After watering, make sure no water remains in the crown or the leaf joints of the plant," says Bruce Rogers, author of The Orchid Whisperer, Expert Secrets for Growing Beautiful Orchids. "Do this by turning your orchid to the side, which will drain water from the crown."

Soil

Orchids need fast-draining but water-retentive soil. Typically, they grow in a mix of bark, peat, perlite, or similar materials, says Melinda Myers, gardening expert and host of the Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD series. You can buy potting soil for orchids or make your own.

Light

Give your orchid at least six hours of bright, indirect light from a south or east-facing window. While many orchids can handle more or less light, access to ample light enhances flowering potential.

Fertilizer

Orchids should be fed with fertilizer regularly during the growing season, says Meyers. Apply a balanced fertilizer specific for orchids, such as 20-20-20, about once a week. You can stop fertilizing during winter when the plants are not actively growing.

Temperature

The ideal temperature orchids need varies depending on the species. They are usually classified as either cool-, intermediate- or warm-growing depending on their temperature requirements. The usual definitions of these ranges in degrees Fahrenheit are:

• Cool: 60 to 70 degrees during the day and 50 to 55 degrees during the night
  
• Intermediate: 70 to 80 degrees during the day and 55 to 65 degrees during the night
• Warm: 80 to 90 degrees during the day and 65 to 70 degrees during the night
  

Types of Orchids

There are many types of orchids to choose from, but these are some of the most common varieties.

• Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis): One of the most popular types of orchid, this low-maintenance variety features long-lasting, moth-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors.
• Vanda Orchid (Vanda spp.): Easily grown in warm climates, vanda orchids need adequate sunlight to flourish. They can be summered outside and grown indoors during winter.
• Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium): Known for its showy yellow flowers, this type of orchid has blooms that look like a dancer with a waving skirt, hence the name.
• Boat Orchid (Cymbidium): Another popular variety, boat orchids can tolerate some frost when kept outside. They have multi-lobed flowers with a colorful central tongue and lips.

How to Get Your Orchid to Re-Bloom

One of the most common reasons your orchid won't re-bloom is because it doesn't have access to enough sunlight. Look at the foliage to determine if your orchid is receiving adequate light and adjust accordingly. "Plants receiving enough sufficient light will have light green leaves. In low light, the leaves will be darker and stiffer. With very high light, they develop a pink or reddish edge on the leaves," says Meyers.

How to Grow an Orchid Outdoors

In cold climates with warm summers, your orchid can be moved outdoors once temperatures rise. When doing so, place your orchid in an area with partial shade, like under a tree with dappled light or under a canopy or shade cloth, says Meyers. The plant should also be kept somewhere it's protected from wind or harsh weather conditions.

How to Prune an Orchid

Prune your orchid when it's actively growing, which will vary from species to species. Keep an eye on the plant—new leaves and roots are typically signs it's growing. How you prune your orchid depends on the variety you're growing. Popular types, like Phalaenopsis, oncidium, and Dendrobium orchids, can have their flower spike cut off once the flowers die, which will encourage future growth.

Repotting Your Orchid

Orchids benefit from being repotted. You'll know it's time to repot your orchid when the roots have outgrown the pot or the growing mix has broken down. "If you have never done it, it can be intimidating the first time or two—but not only does it get easier, it can rejuvenate the plant," says David Horak, curator of the orchid collection at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. "Try to stick to a schedule of repotting at least every two to three years, or when the medium feels soggy or softer than it used to."

1. Take the orchid out of its old container and separate its roots from the old mix.
2. Soak roots in water if some of the old planting mix won't separate.
3. Place the plant in a slightly bigger pot, filling around the roots with fresh potting.
4. Water the repotted orchid and the surrounding mixture.

Common Problems With Orchids

These are the common issues to look out for when caring for orchids.

Pests

There are a few problems you may encounter when caring for an orchid. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. One of the most effective home remedies against these pests is to wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Bud Drop

Another issue you may encounter with your orchid is the buds dropping. This can occur for many reasons, including over or underwatering, temperature fluctuations, fumes, low humidity, ethylene, insects, genetics, and changing the growing location. If any of these causes have occurred, remedy them to help reduce the dropping of buds.

Root Rot

If your orchid has twisted, wrinkled, and yellow leaves, it may be suffering from root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that typically enters the plant through the roots, stunting growth. To save an orchid with root rot, cut off the infected tissue and repot the plant.