Most orchids are in bloom from one to two months, and bloom one or two times per year. Many orchids need a green house environment in which to re-spike with fresh flower buds. Once in bud, and starting to open, orchids will bloom to their full potential, beautifully, in home environments with indirect light, and weekly watering.
Good Watering Method for All Orchids
Once a week, remove orchid from the decorative container, take to sink, and let the water run through for a few seconds. Drain, and return to decorative pot. Never let the orchid sit in water.
Mossed/rocked orchid arrangements
If your orchid arrangement is mossed or rocked, and can’t easily be moved from it’s decorative container, I recommend method A. But in a pinch, method B would be fine occasionally. If any of your watering methods result in excess water in the bottom of the container, you are over-watering, and should reduce the amount of water.
Slowly pour or spray about 1/8 to 1/4 of a cup of water in the center of EACH PLANT weekly. (the amount depends on how large your plant is) You can also use a spray bottle and spray about 15-20 squirts on “Stream” setting. Or, in a pinch… Add a few ice cubes on the top, center of each plant, once a week.
Fertilizing Orchids
Follow the instructions with general orchid fertilizer or a fertilizer for the specific species of orchid. If you board your orchids, your boarder will take care of fertilizing, and it’s fine if you don’t fertilize while your orchid is blooming in your home. In general, small amounts of fertilizer, regularly, works best.
Spent Orchid Blooms
The blooms will naturally whither and fall off, usually one at a time. If they do not fall off, gently clip off any blooms that look finished. When your orchid has finished blooming, call us for a replacement – we’ll give you a credit for the dormant orchid we replace!
Temperature
Most orchids prefer temperatures in the home of 63 to 73 during the day, and 60 to 65 during the night. Orchids will bloom faster in very warm environments, (mid to high 70’s) and last longer in cooler temperatures (mid 60’s). Never place your orchid in direct contact with air conditioning or heating vents.
Light
Bright indirect light is ideal. Be sure your orchids do not receive direct all day sunlight, especially the hot midday sun. Many orchids will bloom fully and beautifully in medium to lower light areas as well.
Dormant Orchids
When your orchids have finished blooming, you can keep them and nurture them towards their next blooming cycle. (However, a primary cause for an orchid not to bloom again (while in a home environment) is insufficient light.) You can compost them; or you can bring them back to green door design and exchange them for credit towards your next purchase. The last option is to “board” your orchid collection for a monthly fee (starting at $50 per month) at a greenhouse - we can refer you to this service.
Indoor Foliage Plant Care Tips
- Water every week to 10 days.
- Water at the sink, or outside with the hose. Let water run through soil, drain, and replace.
- When watering larger plants, slowly pour small amounts of water, enough so that a little comes out of bottom into your protective saucer. Insure that your floor surface is protected from excess water.
- Do the soil touch
Touch the soil – go about 1” down into the soil. If it's dry to the touch, then water. If it is moist at all, wait a few days, and check again. - Never let plants sit in excess water
Most plants will become distressed from too much water. Many plants want to be slightly dry before the next watering, but some plants like to stay slightly moist. Ask about your plants specific watering needs at time of purchase, or go online and find out what your specific plant likes. - Rotate your plants monthly
This way they will get an even distribution of light, and their growth will be more evenly distributed. - Fertilize
Fertilize every month or so with a good liquid plant food. Don’t over do it… just a small amount is fine. - Clean the foliage
Spray your plants with a gentle water stream (the shower works well - or outside with the hose) a few times a year to clean the foliage.
