2 weeks Ago By Sophie Harris
Orchids are gorgeous indoor houseplants , available in striking bright colours like fuchsia, white and purple. If you’re thinking of gifting one this festive period, or you have received one, it may help to know how to look after an orchid. Growing orchids may seem simple, but they are notoriously tricky, especially when it comes to keeping them in flower.
This is especially true in the winter months when they need slightly different care compared to the summer months. Here are some common care mistakes to avoid when caring for orchids. Overwatering The pros at GardeningKnowHow said watering an orchid too much is a big mistake to make.
Too much water, especially cold water, will cause root rot, leading to the “death of the entire houseplant”. Ideally, orchids should be watered around once a week, although it will depend on where it is kept. To check if it needs hydrating, see if the top two inches of soil are dry.
If they are, slowly hydrate the plant. Underwatering Whilst it is important not to overwater the houseplant, they don’t need lots of water to thrive, especially in winter. They are used to little and often watering in their natural habitat.
To mimic this at home, try placing a pot on some pebbles and water, or misting the leaves of the plant. Unnecessary pruning Unless your orchid has yellowing or black roots or leaves, it doesn’t need to be pruned like common garden plants. If you see roots growing out of the pot, leave these alone as this is how an orchid grows, with its aerial roots.
Direct sunlight Many houseplants love the light, but direct sun can affect indoor plants by scorching them. In their natural habitat, orchids are used to dense forests so it’s important to place them in an area of bright but indirect light. They are perfect for the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen and can be moved throughout the year to find the perfect spot.
Give them a few weeks to acclimatise in their homes and they will soon begin to thrive and flower all year long..
