How to Look After an Orchid Plant

Orchids are known for their exotic beauty and long-lasting blooms, and with the right care they can thrive indoors for many years. While they have a reputation for being delicate, most varieties are surprisingly resilient when given the correct environment. Creating the right balance of light, water and temperature is key to keeping orchids healthy and encouraging repeat flowering.

How Much Light Does an Orchid Need?

Most orchids prefer bright but indirect light. A windowsill with filtered morning sun is often ideal, while intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. If the leaves turn dark green, the plant may not be getting enough light. If they appear yellowish or scorched, it may be receiving too much. A good location is one where the plant gets consistent daylight without harsh direct rays.

How Often Should You Water an Orchid?

Watering is perhaps the most misunderstood part of orchid care. Orchids do not like to sit in water and require a specific rhythm of watering and drying out. Allow the potting medium to dry out slightly between waterings and then water thoroughly, letting the excess drain away completely. In most indoor settings this may mean watering once a week, but this can vary with temperature and humidity. It is better to underwater than overwater, as orchids are highly susceptible to root rot.

What Type of Potting Mix is Best?

Orchids should never be planted in regular compost. They need a special orchid mix, often made from bark, perlite and charcoal, which mimics their natural growing environment on tree branches and allows air to circulate around the roots. Over time, this mix breaks down and needs replacing. Repotting every one to two years helps ensure healthy roots and prevents the medium from becoming compacted or retaining too much moisture.

How often should you Feed Your Orchid

Orchids benefit from a light feeding routine, particularly during active growth periods. A balanced orchid fertiliser diluted to half strength can be applied every few weeks in spring and summer. Feeding encourages stronger leaves and more frequent blooming. During winter or when the plant is not in bloom, feeding can be reduced or paused altogether.

How to Prune and Remove damaged or dead Blooms

After the orchid flowers have faded, it’s a good idea to prune the flowering spike to encourage a second bloom or to conserve the plant’s energy for future growth. Depending on the variety, you can either cut the spike above a visible node or remove it entirely if it begins to dry out. Dead or yellowing leaves can also be trimmed back carefully to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent disease.

Creating the Right Environment Indoors

Humidity plays a big role in keeping orchids healthy. While they don’t like soggy roots, they do appreciate slightly humid air. Placing the plant in a steamy bathroom or near a tray of water can help raise humidity levels. Orchids also dislike draughts or sudden temperature drops, so avoid placing them near radiators or open windows in winter. They thrive best in a stable environment with gentle airflow and a consistent room temperature.

How to Encourage an Orchid to Flower Again

Getting an orchid to rebloom often comes down to mimicking its natural cycles. Most orchids need a short period of cooler nighttime temperatures to trigger new flower spikes. Moving the plant to a slightly cooler room for a few weeks in autumn can help stimulate blooming. Once new buds begin to form, return the plant to its usual spot and continue regular care. With time and patience, orchids will flower again and again.

Recognising Signs of Trouble

Healthy orchid leaves should be firm and slightly glossy. If they become limp, wrinkled or spotted, it may be a sign of stress from overwatering, pests or environmental changes. Black or mushy roots often indicate rot, while dry shrivelled roots suggest underwatering. Monitoring these signs and adjusting care as needed will help keep your orchid strong and flowering.