Orchids have a reputation as divas. They are the prima donnas of the plant world, often referred to as “high maintenance” and “impossible to keep alive.” But don’t let their pretty petals fool you!
With a little know-how, you can keep these beauties blooming for years—up to 20 years, if you play your cards right. So grab your watering can and get ready to learn some insider secrets to making your orchid the envy of all your friends.
Now, let’s dive into the juicy details!
A woman posing with pink orchids | Source: Pexels
The Reputation of Orchids: The Drama Queens of the Plant World
Orchids are like the Hollywood stars of the botanical world—beautiful to look at but notoriously fussy. However, the reality is less dramatic. Sure, they may seem fussy, but with the right care, these plants can thrive for decades, not just a few months.
A white orchid in a pot | Source: Pexels
The key is to understand that orchids are not your average houseplant – they have their own needs, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that they’re not so picky after all. Think of them as a long-term relationship; a little patience never hurts!
#Tip 1. Water Culture Method: Bath Time for Your Orchid
Water being added to an orchid plant, as seen in a TikTok video dated January 24, 2023 | Source: TikkTok/@growithjessie
Here’s a tip that may seem strange at first—according to TikToker Jessie Jacobson , submerging your orchid in water and letting it sit there can actually work wonders. Yes, you read that right. Growing in water is like giving your orchid a never-ending spa day, and honestly, who wouldn’t thrive in that kind of environment? Forget the potting soil and fancy soil—apparently, that water bath is the key to a happy orchid. So go ahead and give your plant a bath and let it soak up all the goodness that comes with H2O.
#Tip 2. Light Needs: The Right Type of Light
A potted plant by the window, as seen in a TikTok video dated January 24, 2023 | Source: Tiktok/@growithjessie
Orchids love to be in the spotlight, but not too much! These plants need bright light, but direct sunlight is a little too harsh on their delicate leaves. It’s like the difference between being in the spotlight on stage and being blinded by a paparazzi’s flash. Place your orchid near a window with plenty of indirect light—south-, east-, or west-facing windows are ideal. If you notice the leaves starting to sizzle, simply move the plant back a bit. Remember, we want a glow, not a sunburn!
#Tip 3. Seasonal flowering: Patience is a virtue
A woman holding a potted plant, seen in a TikTok video dated January 24, 2023 | Source: TikTok/@growithjessie
Orchids are like that friend that disappears every winter but comes back every summer, looking just as fabulous as ever. They are seasonal bloomers, which means those gorgeous flowers will take a break during the colder months. Don’t panic when the petals start to fall; it’s not the end of the world, or your plant. Just give it a little time, and by summer, your orchid will be back in full bloom, ready to steal the show once again.
Jessie explains : “Orchids are seasonal bloomers, meaning the flowers fall off in winter but grow back in summer.”
#Tip 4. Assessing Orchid Health: Roots Before Shoots
Orchid roots seen in a TikTok video dated January 24, 2023 | Source: TikTok/@growithjessie
Here’s a little secret: The key to knowing if your orchid is still alive is in the roots. Even if the top part seems to be on its last legs, white roots mean there’s still hope. It’s like finding out your favorite TV show wasn’t canceled after all! Give those roots some water and watch your seemingly “dead” plant come back to life. It’s not magic, it’s just good gardening.
#Tip 5. White orchids and vanilla: sweet dreams are made of these two
A person holding a flower pot, seen in a TikTok video dated January 24, 2023 | Source: TikTok/@growithjessie
Here’s a fun fact that will impress your friends at the next garden party: Vanilla, that delicious flavor we all love, actually comes from orchids. More specifically, white orchids! So if you have a white orchid, you’re not just growing a pretty flower, you’re growing a little sweetness on your windowsill. Is that what multitasking is all about?
Jessica notes : “Orchids, especially white orchids, are my favorite because they produce vanilla beans – vanilla literally comes from white orchids [sic].”
But that’s not all. Read on to discover more great tips!
A woman checks the leaves of a plant | Source: Pexels
More Orchid Care Tips: Making Your Orchid the Star of the Show
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s move on to some additional tips to ensure your orchid not only survives, but thrives like the superstar it is.
#Tip 6. Learn more about initial placement: The red carpet treatment
Tanner talking about orchids, seen in a TikTok video dated February 19, 2023 | Source: TikTok/@tannertheplanter
You’ve just acquired your orchid and it’s sitting proudly on your coffee table, soaking up all the attention it’s getting. That’s fine for a week or two, but if you want this diva to stick around, you’ll need to move it to a more permanent, better-lit spot. It’s like going from the small-town stage to the Broadway spotlight.
Place your orchid near a window that gets plenty of bright, indirect light—south-, west-, or east-facing windows are ideal. And if the sun starts to get too harsh, simply move the orchid back a few feet. After all, even the best performers need a little shade every now and then.
TannerThePlanter , another TikTok green thumb enthusiast, advises: “So if you know, you have a really warm window, move them back a few feet, but still have a nice wide view of the sky.”
#Tip 7. Watering: What should be avoided?
Purple moth orchids | Source: Pexels
When it comes to watering your orchid, you need to tap into your inner Goldilocks; it’s all about getting the perfect result. Ice cubes? Nope! This isn’t a tropical cocktail. Your orchid prefers room temperature water, and it likes its roots to go through a “drought-flood” cycle. Water thoroughly, then let the roots dry out completely before watering again. This is the VIP treatment your plant deserves.
TannerThePlanter adds : “If you know your tap water isn’t good, you may want to consider using more distilled water, reverse osmosis, rain water, spring water, anything that’s a little purer [sic].”
#Tip 8. Learn About Root Health: The Secret to Success
Close-up of a plant’s roots | Source: Pexels
Your orchid’s roots are like its fan base. They need to be kept happy and healthy for the entire plant to thrive. To know when to water, simply check the roots. If they’re silvery, it’s time to get out the watering can. After a good soak, those roots should turn a lush green color, as if your plant just put on its best outfit. This color change is your plant’s way of telling you that it’s feeling good.
#Tip 9. Fertilize: The boost after flowering
Tanner looks at the plants in front of him, as seen in a TikTok video dated February 19, 2023 | Source: TikTok/@tannertheplanter
When your orchid is in full bloom, you can skip the fertilizer—it’s already showing off. But when the flowers start to fall off, it’s time to give your plant some extra love. Restart feeding to encourage the next bloom. It’s like giving your orchid a protein shake after a workout. It helps the plant regain its strength and prepares it for its next big performance.
According to TannerThePlanter , “When the flowers drop off, the plant is not dead. This is a good time to resume fertilizing.”
#Tip 10. Post-flowering care: Cut or keep?
A woman posing with purple flowers | Source: Pexels
Once the flowers have fallen, you have a decision to make: do you cut the flower stem or leave it in place? Cutting the stem usually results in bigger, more beautiful flowers next time. But if you leave it, you may get additional flowers on the same stem. Either way, your orchid is preparing for its next act, so give it the care it needs to put on a spectacular show.
#Tip 11. Repotting: A new start
Tanner holding a plant, seen in a TikTok video dated February 19, 2023 | Source: TikTok/@tannertheplanter
Every year or two, your orchid may start to feel a little cramped and it’s time to repot it. When repotting, increase the pot size by one and use a potting mix specifically designed for orchids, such as bark or sphagnum moss. This allows the roots to circulate in the air and retain the moisture they need to stay healthy. It’s like moving your plant from a studio apartment to a cozy bedroom. It has just enough room to spread out and grow without getting lost in too much soil.
TannerThePlanter reminds us : “You should do this about every 1-2 years or when the roots come out of the drainage holes in the bottom.”
#Tip 12. Potting medium: Choose your fighter
A potted orchid plant placed near a statue and a lamp | Source: Pexels
Orchids are flexible – they can thrive in a variety of potting media, from traditional orchid mixes to aquatic growing setups. The choice depends on your care style and the specific needs of your orchid. It’s like choosing the right outfit for the occasion – whether it’s bark, moss or water, choose the medium that makes your orchid feel like a star.
A red orchid with yellow spots | Source: Pexels
With the right care, your orchid can be more than just a passing guest – it can become a long-term member of your home. Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy years of dazzling blooms that will brighten up your home.
Here’s the complete guide to ensuring your orchid doesn’t just survive, but thrives for years and years to come!
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