With a number of Orchid Shows popping up at botanical gardens this time of year, I know I’m always excited about bringing one or two home with me. For many years, I was under the impression that orchids were difficult to grow and hard to re-bloom the next year. I’m even guilty of throwing out a couple of orchid plants after flowering, just for that reason. So I thought I would share some tips I have learned since then on how to grow and maintain orchids. It’s not as difficult as it seems!

All orchids need is sunlight, the proper amount of watering and fertilizing and taking the time to talk with them once in a while so they know they are cared for.

In growing my orchids, I have found that a southeasterly window is the perfect place for them to live and grow. In my house, that means they are all huddled around my kitchen sink with my other house plants: forced bulbs, violets, miscellaneous flowers. I have watered my orchids twice a week with room temperature water at the bottom on the dish so the roots can absorb the water as needed. I have also learned another way to water them once a week is to put three ice cubes (equaling about ¼ cup of water when melted) on top of the bark and roots, though I haven’t tried this watering ‘hack’. This allows them to absorb the melting water.

Orchids prefer a tight fit in their pot. If the roots start to look overgrown, wait until the orchid has finished blooming and repot with care in a slightly larger pot with fresh bark. I used to leave the stem/flower spike that has turned brown after the flowers are gone, but now I cut it back to the leaves. I find that I enjoy the plant much more this way as the leaves add to the backdrop of my other plants. In regards to fertilizing, I will admit I’m guilty of not doing it. I have read that my Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, does best if it’s fertilized once a month, but not to over fertilize. So, next on my checklist is to create a calendar reminder to fertilizer once a month with diluted water.

To sum it up, to grow and maintain orchids, all you need is sunlight, the proper amount of watering and fertilizing and taking the time to talk with them once in a while so they know they are cared for.

Here is a list of a few of the botanical gardens that have orchid exhibits:

• Chicago Botanic Garden
• Longwood Gardens
• New York Botanical Garden (coming March 3, 2018)
• Missouri Botanical Garden

Share with me below: What is your favorite orchid to grow at home? Do you have any tips on caring for it?

FEATURED FLOWER
Orchid Basket. Photographed @ 2015 New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show. Additional images from my indoor “garden” (Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis and Pansy Orchid, Miltoniopsis roezlii) and the 2015 New York Botanical Garden Show.

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