Orchid Care

Orchid Care

Explore orchid care tips and tricks from the world's most trusted authority on orchids.

See the Most Common Orchid Pests and Diseases

Light

Appropriate lighting is critical for orchids to survive and bloom. Learn about the variety of light conditions.

Learn about lighting for your orchids

Water

Improper watering is the number one reason orchids fail.

Good air circulation helps fend off many orchid problems.

Air Movement

Good air circulation helps fend off many orchid problems.

Learn how to provide good air circulation for your orchids

Humidity

Most orchids are native to the subtropics where humidity is high.

Learn more about giving your orchids the right amount of humidity

Temperature

Orchids are a lot like people. They don't want to be too hot or too cold.

Learn how to provide good air circulation for your orchids

Fertilizer

Proper fertilizing will help your orchid develop a strong root system, healthy foliage and gorgeous flowers.

Learn how and when to fertilize your orchids

Explore easy to use orchid care and culture guides

Where do I cut the spike?

Of all of the more commonly available orchids, only Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) will re-bloom from its old spike. Phalaenopsis will generally re-bloom given a little extra care.

How do I water my orchid?

Avoid overwatering which leads to the demise of many more orchids than underwatering. Constant wetness will cause the roots to rot, which leaves the plant without a means...

How do I feed my orchid?

Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all "necessary trace elements."

When should I repot?

Orchid plants need repotting for one or a combination of two main factors: Potting mix breaks down, often evidenced by dead roots, or the plant outgrowing the container.

What is the best potting media?

A fresh, fast-draining, but water-retentive medium is essential to the healthy root system necessary for good growth.

Where in the house can I grow my orchid?

South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark.

Why won't my orchid re-bloom?

Insufficient light is the most common cause of failure to re-bloom your orchid. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate.

What's growing on the flower stem?

A plantlet (called a keiki (kay-kee), the Hawaiian word for baby) will sometimes grow on a flower spike (called an "inflorescence").

What is the best orchid for growing in the home?

One of the most widely available orchids of the mass market types is also the best for the home - the phalaenopsis or moth orchid which will grow easily under the same conditions enjoyed...

What should I look for when I buy an Orchid?

Many consumers, both retail and retailer, find themselves in a position today of having to make purchase- oriented decisions about an entirely new -- to them, at least -- class of plants...

Why are my orchid's leaves wrinkled and leathery?

Shriveled leaves indicate a lack of water to plant tissue. The next step is to determine why the plant is not getting sufficient water.

What's wrong with my orchid?

There are many reasons why buds fall off before flowering...

More questions answered

Indoor Orchid Growing

Learn about the special needs of orchids grown indoors.

Growing orchids indoors

Outdoor Orchid Growing

Discover the nuances of growing your orchids outdoors

Growing orchids outdoors

Greenhouse Orchid Growing

Uncover the best approaches to growing orchids in a greenhouse

Growing orchids in a grenhouse

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