Easily distinguished among a multitude of plants, the orchid hails from tropical regions and captivates with its stunning flowers spanning a spectrum of colors—from pristine white to vibrant pink, along with shades of mauve, blue, yellow, and orange. Its graceful allure and exotic aura render it a highly sought-after and beloved indoor plant. Some enthusiasts even attribute magical qualities to it, considering it as “the plant of seduction.” According to the tenets of Feng Shui philosophy, the orchid symbolizes love, joy, daring, fertility, beauty, purity, and hope all on its own.
Its origin is varied, it is a flower that grows mainly in tropical areas, but it is widespread throughout the world. It is available in 25,000 species: it is still better to favor the most classic ones which remain simpler to cultivate, such as the butterfly orchid. Certainly, this attractive plant is generally considered a delicate and ephemeral flower. When its roots are not healthy, its leaves tend to wither, turn yellow and rot. But, if you follow our good advice and tips to the letter, you can hope for greater longevity.
Find out how to properly care for this unique plant to have beautiful orchids and make them live as long as possible!
The Light
Location is fundamental! To flourish properly, this exotic plant needs a lot of light. The orchid likes strong light but not direct sunlight. The ideal would therefore be to install it preferably near a window. If the exposure is due south, a curtain will then be required to filter UV rays. It will also find a privileged place in the bathroom where heat and humidity combine.
The Heat
As tropical flowers, orchids love warmth. In spring and summer you can keep them outside on your balcony or terrace, as long as the temperature is not lower than 15°C at night. The rest of the year, it is always best to keep orchids indoors, near a window and never near a direct source of heat such as a fireplace or radiator. It is also important that orchids are kept in a well-ventilated area with air circulation.
If you live in an apartment, get into the habit of opening the windows or turning on a fan during the summer when it’s very hot.
Water and Humidity
The amount of water an orchid needs generally depends on the variety, season and temperature. Normally, orchids are watered two to three times a week, but in some cases the plant can also be watered once every fortnight. The secret is to always check the condition of the soil; when it is too dry, you need to water the plant.
It is also effective to use a transparent pot which allows you to better control the humidity state of the plant. Please note that the best way to water it is by immersion: the pot must be immersed in water up to 3/4 of its height. Leave it like this for a few minutes so that the plant absorbs all the water it needs. Little tip: if you feel that the pot is lighter than usual, then don’t wait and water your orchids!
In summer, you can use a spray bottle to water your orchids, but you must be careful not to leave too much water between the leaves and flowers. If the humidity level in your home is normally below 40%, use the spray method to water your orchids every day. If your home is very humid (more than 60%), your flowers may develop mold. The best thing is to use a dehumidifier!
It’s up to you to learn how to properly dose the quantity of water to prevent the orchids from wilting.
Fertilizer
The orchid is not very demanding, it is satisfied with liquid fertilizer once a month. Except when it is in full bloom or during a growth period: in this case, an addition every 15 days is necessary in order to promote the development of healthy and long-lasting flowers. After fertilizing the plant, you should not water it for at least 24 hours, otherwise the fertilizer may be diluted and less effective.
The best fertilizers for orchids are those based on nitrogen, which strengthen the roots and leaves.
Protecting Orchids from Disease
Like most plants, orchids are flowers susceptible to bacterial infections or mold. In the case of cochineal, the best remedy is to remove infected leaves by cutting them with scissors.
You can also opt for a natural repellent solution such as Marseille soap mixed with a little water. Simply spray it on the plant using a sprayer to combat this annoying parasite.
In addition to ensuring the optimal humidity level, you can also use a remedy based on baking soda and water: by spraying this remedy on the plant, you will fight against mold and chase away undesirables.
NB: Always check that the soil is not too wet and that the leaves are clean and dry. If they are stained, you still need to trim them.
Floor
The best soil for orchids is one that promotes rapid drainage. It is therefore preferable to choose products based on bark or sphagnum moss which offer this plant a solid and nutritious base on which to grow. Always be careful how you water the soil!
Don’t forget: the orchid needs spraying on its foliage in dry weather and repotting every two years. It does not tolerate excess watering, sunburn and cold drafts. Watch out for aphids, mealybugs and mites which tend to weaken it a lot.
