How to care for orchids

Orchids are delicate flowers that require tender loving care to keep them their absolute freshest. When it comes to caring for orchids, it's worth remembering that orchids, like most flowering plants, have specific needs when it comes to watering, light, temperature, air flow and potting mixture. 

To help you learn how to care for orchids, read our guide to keep your orchids blooming for longer. If you follow these tips, your orchids could last anywhere between 14 and 21 days. 

Identify your type of orchid

It may surprise you to learn that there are approximately 30,000 species of orchids in nature, and more than 100,000 registered hybrids. Identifying which orchid plant you have in your home is the first step to understanding how best to care for it. The most commonly gifted orchids are Phalaenopsis orchids (also called moth orchids), Cymbidium orchids and Dendrobium orchids.

Potting orchids

It’s important to ensure that the potting mixture your orchid lives in is best suited to its conditions in nature. In nature, orchids typically grow on trees in forests. In these conditions, water filters through the roots rather than soaking them, which is why it is best that your orchid is potted in bark or moss rather than soil. Soil potting mixtures allow too much water to sit around the roots of the orchids and wet roots are susceptible to root rot and many other problems. If your orchid plant requires re-potting, make sure you re-pot once the orchid has finished blooming as re-potting can be very stressful on the plant.

Don’t overwater your orchids

Orchids do not require a lot of water. Generally, it is advised that you water your orchid plant every few weeks in winter and once a week in warmer weather. A spray bottle can be helpful for misting the roots - this is particularly encouraged during summer.

What is the best location for orchids?

Ensure that your orchid resides in a place that is free from cold drafts, heating vents and direct sunlight. The natural habitat of orchids is in rainforests, where the temperature is mild, the air is humid and the orchid plant is only exposed to filtered sunlight. It makes sense then that dry air and direct heat and sunlight should be avoided. Keep your orchid plant above 12 degrees and away from direct sunshine and you’ll have yourself a very happy plant.

How often to fertilise orchids?

Fertiliser can be a great way to boost growth and encourage new flower spikes. Try using a fertiliser once a week when the orchid plant is producing new growths and then cut back to monthly once the plant has matured.

Caring for cut Orchids

If you are the recipient of a bouquet of beautiful orchids, make sure that you cut the stems on an angle, removing 2 to 4 cms from the ends. Ensure that your orchids are placed in a clean vase with fresh water along with some flower food. 

We the Wild plant care

To help care for your orchids, Interflora has teamed up with Australian brand We the Wild. The We the Wild Kit includes plant food & tonic for fast growth, protect spray for healthy, shiny leaves and pellets for resilient roots. All products are safe for houseplants, safe for pets and as a bonus, a tree is planted with every purchase. Order a We the Wild kit today.

How are your orchids looking this Spring? If you're looking to order orchids online, explore our orchid collection today. Share with us on Facebook or Instagram using the #Interflora hashtag.