How to care for an orchid – 10 tips for success

Orchids are often thought of as capricious and difficult flowers, but the truth is that with the right care, they can be relatively easy to grow and delight us with incredible colors and flower shapes.

A brief history of orchids

Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families in flora, with over 25,000 botanical species and tens of thousands more hybrids. Amazingly, they are found on every continent except Antarctica, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions.

In the past, wealthy and aristocratic people would send botanists on expeditions to collect rare species. Today, we are able to grow orchids without sending botanists across oceans, thanks to mass cultivation and a good understanding of the botanical characteristics of orchids.

Despite the enormous diversity in orchids, they all have the same general flower structure:

1. 3 sepals (sepals) – usually one sepal “stands” on top (dorsally), and the other two are lateral.

2. 3 petals (petals) – two of them most often resemble sepals, but the third is called the lip (labellum) and is the most distinctive part of the flower. In some species it is like a small tongue, in others – a greatly expanded and curled “skirt”.

Epiphytic, lithophytic and terrestrial orchids

One of the most common misconceptions is that orchids should never be kept in pots with soil. In fact, there are three main types:

1. Epiphytic – grow on trees and have aerial roots that feed on moist air and rainwater. The most popular in our country (such as phalaenopsis from stores) are epiphytes.

2. Lithophytic – attach to rocks and draw moisture and nutrients from rain and moss on these surfaces.

3. Terrestrial – grown in soil (or a soil-like substrate). For example, some species of Cypripedium in temperate zones, including our European “Venus slipper,” live in the ground.

In indoor growing, we most often encounter epiphytic orchids, but they are usually planted in a very airy substrate – most often bark, wood chips, charcoal, perlite or coconut. The idea is to let the roots “breathe”.

How to care for an orchid at home – basics of orchid care

Many people receive an orchid as a gift – often a phalaenopsis (“butterfly orchid”). How do we care for it to keep it alive and encourage re-blooming?

1. Light : Most orchids prefer bright but diffused light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. A spot near a window with light shading or a curtain is suitable.

2. Watering : Epiphytic orchids do not tolerate a constantly wet environment . Water abundantly, but then let the substrate dry out. In summer, it can be watered once a week, in winter - once every 10-14 days.

3. Humidity and ventilation : Orchids like higher humidity (40-60%). Light air circulation is also important – this prevents rot and mold.

4. Fertilization : Orchids need regular fertilization. Specialized orchid fertilizers are the best choice. You can find a selection of Growth Technology orchid fertilizers with us.

5. Temperature : Most indoor orchids prefer temperatures between 18°C ​​and 27°C during the day and a slight difference of 4-5 degrees at night. This temperature range often helps to stimulate flowering.

Propagation by seed and division

While some plants propagate quickly and easily, orchids may require more time:

Seed propagation

Orchids have tiny seeds that look like dust. In nature, they germinate with the help of special fungal mycorrhizae. In laboratory conditions, a sterile culture (agar) is used, where they are kept in a “flask” (sterile container). It can take 4-6, even more years, before they bloom!

Separation

A more practical method for hobbyists is to divide larger plants with several “pseudobulbs.” It is usually recommended to leave a minimum of 3-4 pseudobulbs on each separated part so that the plant has sufficient reserves and strength.

Which orchid varieties are suitable for beginners?

If you're wondering how to care for an orchid with minimal effort, start with the more hardy species:

1. Phalaenopsis – the most popular “store” orchid. It often blooms for weeks, even months.

2. Oncidium – known for their small, dancing doll-like flowers (“dancing lady”). They need bright, but not direct, light and moderate watering.

3. Cymbidium – a terrestrial orchid that is more tolerant of cooler conditions. The large flowers usually appear in winter or early spring.

Secret tips on how to grow an orchid

Here are our 10 key secrets , summarized from conversations and experiences at the botanical garden:

1. Choose healthy plants : When buying, look for an orchid with firm, green leaves, no blemishes, and firm roots (silver or green). Orchids are often "forced" in the stores that sell them. This weakens the plant and often leaves the buyer feeling guilty for the seller's mistakes.

• Avoid fertilizing in the first 3-4 weeks (the plant is most likely already overfertilized).
• If the orchid starts to lose its colors, don't panic - the flower is trying to restore its balance.
  
• A forced orchid may need a year to return to its natural rhythm.

2. Provide a temperature drop : Many orchids need 4-5 degrees cooler nights compared to daytime temperatures to bloom.

3. Cut off spent flower stalks (partially) : With Phalaenopsis, you can cut the flower stalk just above the second or third “knee” (node). This often stimulates new lateral branching.

4. Watch for pests : Scale insects, mites, aphids and mealybugs are the most common enemies. Look under the leaves and around the roots. You can use this product to:

• Reduce stress after purchasing a forced orchid
• Remove pathogens in the substrate and on the plant (spray well as soon as you bring the plant home)
• Prevent insect attack

5. Tap water can be harmful to orchids 🚱

Most orchids are extremely sensitive to chlorine, limescale, and salts in tap water. If you live in an area with hard water, this can slowly build up mineral deposits on the roots and leaves, leading to drying and damage. The best option is to:

✅ Distilled water

✅ Rainwater

✅ Filtered water

If you use tap water, let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow harmful substances to evaporate.

6. Yellowing leaves are not always a bad sign 🍂

Most people panic when their orchid leaves start to turn yellow. In some cases, this is a normal part of the plant's life cycle —especially if the older, lower leaves turn yellow and fall off.

❗ But if young leaves turn yellow or all at once , this could mean:

• Excessive watering
• Lack of nutrients
• Exposure to direct sunlight

Did you know that vanilla is an orchid?

Yes, our favorite vanilla scent comes from Vanilla planifolia , a type of orchid that is primarily grown in Madagascar, Indonesia, and Mexico. The flowers of this orchid must be artificially pollinated because its natural pollinators are almost nonexistent outside of its native habitat.