Orchids can bloom beautifully for years, defying their reputation as tricky houseplants, as long as they are cared for properly. Among the largest flowering plants worldwide, it’s the moth orchid which is most popular in the UK.
A plant expert believes that with the appropriate care, your orchid could flower for several months each year, making it a valuable addition to the home. Graham Rice, from the Royal Horticultural Society, has shared one of his easiest yet most effective tips to help your orchid bloom.
According to the plant: “There’s one easy trick that helps enormously and that’s making sure that the temperature at night is lower than the day temperature.”
He mentioned that it “doesn’t take much”. Owners just have to decrease their central heating by a few degrees to “kick the plant into flowering”.
Graham added: “Moving them to a different room in the house may be all they need, but it makes a huge difference to most of the orchids we grow in the home.”
In the summer, make sure the orchid isn’t near any direct sunlight as this will scorch the plant.
In a lot of cases, orchids will not flower unless both the day and night temperatures are below a certain threshold.
The American Orchid Society pointed out that cooler nights help the orchid keep the energy it makes in the daytime.
When it comes to watering an orchid, it’s important to water from the roots upwards, so opt for soaking in a sink or pot.
Doing so means root rot is less likely to occur, and it gives the houseplant the chance to drink as much as it needs.
After around 30 minutes, simply let the orchid drain on the side before placing it back in its decorative pot.