Orchids tend to be pretty laid back plants but during the month of May, it’s important to make sure they are getting the best care possible if you want them to bloom. May is when orchids are rebuilding energy to grow new roots and leaves so they can grow stronger flowers later on in the year.
Gardening experts at Just Add Ice Orchids explained that the biggest mistakes houseplant owners make in late spring is not moving orchids to another place in the home, causing them to easily dry out. They said: “Where you set your plant can mean the difference between it thriving and withering.
“Lighting changes from season to season, so the best places to keep your orchids when there’s ample sunlight may be different compared to when there’s less light outside.“
In winter it is highly advisable to be keep orchids away from windows as the freezing cold temperatures can shock the plant and make it more likely they become stressed.
Once the weather heats up orchids obviously need more light, but it is important to be careful as too much sun can burn their sensitive leaves.
It is incredibly important to place orchids somewhere they are getting enough sunlight to grow future flowers but are kept far away enough to not dry them out.
The expert said: “When it comes to the sun, we always suggest bright, indirect light. This is especially important in the spring months! Most times, you are transitioning from a cloudier, grey winter, which means too much sun could shock your plant.”
Make sure to place a orchid somewhere near a window with indirect sunlight such as bedrooms and living rooms as they tend to get the most sunlight in homes. Do not place orchids directly on the windowsill, and instead leave them on a counter or night stand.
The expert said: “One of the best places to keep your orchid is near a north- or east-facing window. If your living room has west-facing windows, it’s best to place it farther away from the window on a table or shelf.”
Both north and east-facing windows get a lot of morning sunlight but are more shaded from the harsher sun you get in the afternoon. South windows simply get too much sunlight so this pot will scotch the leaves and dry out your orchids.
Orchids also love humidity so if your bathroom has a window it can be a great spot in the home as they can soak up the excess moisture to keep hydrated.
Kitchens also work as orchids will love the steam leftover from cooking but make sure to keep orchids far away from fruit bowls as they emit a natural gas called ethylene which can damage flower buds.
If you move orchids near a north or east facing window and keep them out of the direct sun then you should have a healthier houseplant that will bloom spectacularly later on.