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Home » Houseplants

Beginners Guide: How to Care for Orchids

Published: May 18, 2021 · Updated: Mar 23, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. We earn commission from purchases made. ·

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an informational chart about orchid care
an informational graphic showing 3 ways to prune an orchid
orchids growing indoors by the window with text overlay that reads how to successfully keep your orchids alive
orchids growing indoors by the window with text overlay that reads how to successfully keep your orchids alive

Phaelonopsis orchids are beautiful houseplants. They have some of the most beautiful blooms, but how do you keep them alive year after year?

orchids growing indoors by the window with text overlay that reads how to successfully keep your orchids alive

This is a beginners guide for everything you need to know to care for your orchids so they thrive every year!

Jump to:
  • How to water an Orchid Plant
  • Orchid Sunlight Needs
  • Do I need to fertilize my orchid?
  • How to prune orchids?
  • More Orchid Tips
an informational chart about orchid care

How to water an Orchid Plant

In the spring and summer, water your orchid twice a week. In the winter, water your orchid once a week.

I like to water orchids like succulents. Submerge the pot in 3 inches of warm water (more if your pot is larger) and let it soak for a good 10 minutes. Then, drain the water and let your orchid drain any excess water.

an orchid soaking in warm water

Never use ice! Orchids are tropical plants, so this can shock the plant.

Orchid roots will turn gray if they need more water. They will look black from root rot if they are getting too much water.

Orchid Sunlight Needs

Orchids thrive in indirect sunlight. Exposing them to direct sunlight though can quickly kill your plant.

Orchids can tell you a lot by their leaves. Yellow leaves mean they are getting too much sun! So move them.

Bright green leaves mean they are getting the right amount of sun.

Do I need to fertilize my orchid?

Yes! Orchids will bloom much more often if you keep it fertilized.

In the spring and summer, try to fertilize them once every 2 weeks. In the winter, you can cut back to once a month.

We like this orchid food mist from the Grow Co. Just spray it on the planting medium when it's time to fertilize.

orchid fertilizer
organic orchid food in a spray bottle

How to prune orchids?

an informational graphic showing 3 ways to prune an orchid

Another important thing for orchid beginners is to make sure you are pruning. Cut back any flowers starting to wilt.

Once your orchid has finished blooming, you can cut about an inch above the node of the main stem. The node will look like a raised bump almost like a smooth thorn.

If the stem is looking unhealthy or starting to turn brown, you may need to prune more drastically down to the base of the stem. Don't worry, this won't kill your orchid.

It just puts all the plant's energy into developing stronger roots and leaves. Next season, it will grow back.

More Orchid Tips

  • What's the best potting mix for Phalaenopsis Orchids?
  • How to repot an orchid
  • Why is my Orchid Dying?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria Spiegel says

    September 26, 2022 at 4:04 pm

    My orchids's leaves have some white stuff underneat, how can I clean it?

    Reply
    • Joanna Stephens says

      November 03, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      Use a little bit of water and a paper towl or wash cloth to gently rub it off. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  2. Sue Pickard says

    September 23, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    My orchid has already bloomed . It is very healthy. I now see leaves shooting out from the very top of the stem. What should I do?
    Sue

    Reply
    • Joanna Stephens says

      September 23, 2022 at 7:07 pm

      Hi Sue, so what you are describing sounds like a Keiki. This is when an orchid essentially clones itself. If you wait until the roots grow at least 2-3 inches, you can then cut this new plant off the stem and replant it into a small pot with potting medium. Hope this helps, good luck!

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    May 18, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    I bought my Orchid at Costco- it came in a vase and was in a plastic liner in the pot - the plastic liner has no holes should I cut some it’s also a tight fit so air doesn’t get to the plant

    Reply
    • Joanna Stephens says

      May 19, 2022 at 7:06 pm

      Hi Amy, yes you should cut holes in your liner or it can't drain properly. When you are watering, let it drain completely and keep it out of your vase for at least a day. This lets the roots get a chance dry and not get soggy.

      Reply

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