2 weeks Ago By Angela Patrone
Orchids are a popular choice for many due to their elegance and beauty, but the thought of growing one can be daunting for some. Despite being a hardy houseplant , getting it to bloom can be a challenge. However, Kate Lindley, a houseplant expert and product manager at Baby Bio, has shared some tips that will aid in the successful growth of your orchid.
Orchids should be re-potted annually to ensure they continue to “bloom and flourish”, yet many gardeners leave them in the same pot for years. If the roots appear tight and tangled or white roots are growing out of the container, it's time to repot. Another sign that an orchid needs repotting is if its roots are beginning to rot, appearing soft and brown, indicating that the compost is no longer draining effectively.
Kate advised: “When repotting, make sure you use a clean, sharp pair of scissors as orchids are susceptible to disease, so it's important to make sure your tools are sterilised.” Orchids are highly susceptible to root rot and “will eventually die” if left sitting in a wet potting mix. On the other hand, roots may shrivel and dry out if conditions are too dry.
To prevent over or underwatering, always check the dampness of the compost first to ensure it actually needs watering. The expert advised: “Ideally, you’ll want to water it when the potting mix is almost dry, but not completely dry.” You can also give your orchid a gentle mist to boost humidity levels, but be cautious not to drench the foliage or leave them wet as this could lead to mould, fungus, and leaf rot.
Sunlight is crucial for orchids as it's “essential to allow your orchid to convert light into energy”, which is necessary for producing those stunning flowers. Orchids generally flourish in bright, indirect sunlight, making east or west-facing windowsills perfect spots for most of the year. However, Kate cautioned that too much sun can “scorch the delicate blooms”, while too little means the plant “simply won’t produce beautiful blooms and thrive”.
Some types, like Vanda orchids, do prefer full sun, so it’s important to check the specific needs of your plant before finding its ideal location. When it comes to compost, remember that in the wild, orchids are mostly epiphytic (tree-growing) or lithophytic (rock-growing), thriving high up on rough bark rather than in soil. Therefore, orchid enthusiasts should replicate this setting by using a special bark-based orchid compost that allows good air flow to the roots and drainage to “prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged”.
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