I’ve owned a total of three orchids over the past four years, and I’ve only managed to keep one alive. Luckily, my one surviving orchid is thriving and has even managed to bloom twice this summer. I’ve come to realise that keeping orchids happy and encouraging them to flower is very difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with their care routine.
My first phalaenopsis orchid, also known as a moth orchid, died due to overwatering and being positioned in the wrong place in the summer months. My second orchid died after I accidentally fed it too much fertiliser. Giving your plant too much food may not sound like a problem but it can actually cause root rot, root burn and a build up of salt which can dehydrate the plant.
In the end, my orchid’s leaves turned yellow and eventually the plant died. So how have I managed to not only keep my current orchid happy but encourage it to flower multiple times a year? By hardly watering it.
It’s very easy to overwater an orchid, and this can lead to soft, soggy, black roots that can eventually rot. So rather than overwater my orchid, I hardly water it at all.
Watering orchids
Luke Newnes, a new build gardening specialist, gardening content creator and a member of the interior squad at Hillarys, said my approach to watering orchids is “spot on”.
He said: “I can confirm that your approach to watering orchids is spot on. Orchids thrive on a ‘less is more’ watering philosophy, as overwatering is one of the most common mistakes.”
When it comes to watering, Mr Newnes said they water once a week during the summer months, but that this can vary based on the humidity and temperature in the home.
I water my orchid once a fortnight when the weather is mild and once every 10 days when it’s hot. One of the best ways to check whether my orchid needs water is to check the roots and the potting medium.
When the potting medium is dry and the roots are silvery, my orchid needs a good drink. But if the roots are green and the potting mix is damp, I’ll leave it a bit longer.
The gardening expert suggested watering orchids early in the day to allow excess moisture to evaporate and to use lukewarm water rather than cold water. He also recommended ensuring the water drains completely to prevent root rot from occurring.
Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls agreed that “less is more” when it comes to watering orchids. He said: “Overwatering is the quickest way to send an orchid to an early grave ahead of spring and summer.”
The gardening expert also recommended watering orchids once a week in the warmer months and every 10 to 14 days when it’s cooler.
Rather than watering your orchids using a traditional method, he suggested using ice cubes. He said: “A couple of ice cubes is a good way to water as it is more slow releasing. Always tip away excess water from the saucer because orchids hate ‘wet feet’.
“Orchids are more often loved to death by overwatering than neglected. Think of them like a camel rather than a goldfish, they store what they need and appreciate a little breathing space between drinks.”
Feeding orchids
If your orchid is looking healthy but not producing flowers, you might want to try feeding it.
I usually feed my orchid with a balanced orchid fertiliser once a fortnight. I put five to 10 drops of Baby Bio’s orchid feed into my watering jug and slowly water the plant.
Mr Dwelly also recommended feeding your orchid two weeks after it has flowered to give the plant a “nutrient nudge”. He explained: “Use a balanced orchid fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season (spring to late summer).
“Switch to a fertiliser higher in phosphorus when you see new flower spikes as it helps develop stronger buds and dilute feed to half the strength recommended on the packet to avoid over-fertilising.”
Positioning your orchid
If your orchid still isn’t producing flowers, it may not be in the right place. Orchids need bright, indirect light to bloom, and the optimal position is an east-facing window.
I’ve placed my orchid against a wall opposite my south-facing patio windows. I also have two Velux windows which means it gets plenty of light in the winter months.
However, it’s important that your orchid is not placed in direct sunlight as this could scorch the leaves.
According to Mr Newnes, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature, ideally between 18-24C. He added: “Orchids often bloom when there is a slight temperature drop at night.”