How to grow orchids: the complete guide from watering to spring care
Orchids are a symbol of elegance, exotic beauty and magnificent blooming. They suit interiors, luxury office spaces or as part of wedding arrangements. With proper care they can bloom several times a year and bring joy for many years. You will find other popular flowering houseplants in the overview of 10 types of flowering houseplants.
Many people fear that growing them is demanding. The opposite is true! With our guide you will find that even a complete beginner can grow an orchid (most often the genus Phalaenopsis).
Want an orchid as a gift? Don't risk temperature shock!
Orchids are very sensitive to temperature swings. A short moment in spring frost or in a draught during transport is enough and the buds drop.
The Airway guarantee from KvětinyExpres.cz: we guarantee that we deliver all our orchids in our own vehicles with air conditioning and heating. The plant suffers no temperature shock and arrives to you or the recipient in perfect condition.
TIP from florist Andrea (houseplant specialist):
“The most common mistake with orchids is overwatering! The roots need to breathe. After so-called ‘bottom watering’, when you submerge the pot in water, let the substrate drain completely. Water must never be left standing in the saucer or the decorative cover pot. And don't forget feeding – without a quality fertiliser you will not get new flowers.”
Which orchid types are the most popular?
If you are just starting out, we recommend choosing the right type. Which ones suit Czech homes?
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Phalaenopsis (moth orchid): the most widespread and most rewarding type for a flat. In our range you will find these classic orchids in premium quality with two rich flower spikes.
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Cymbidium: an elegant type with many flowers, often used as a cut flower in luxury bouquets for its longevity and majesty.
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Dendrobium and Vanda: exotic jewels for more experienced growers. The Vanda orchid is often grown entirely without substrate, simply hung in a glass vase or in the air.
How to care for orchids: a quick guide
1. Light and placement (beware of the sun)
Orchids need bright but diffused (indirect) light.
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Ideal: a windowsill facing east or west.
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Beware: direct midday sun would burn the leaves. And a lack of light means the plant will not form new buds.
2. Watering: a bath is better than a watering can
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How often: once a week in summer, once every 10 to 14 days is enough in winter. Watch the colour of the roots: silvery roots mean thirst, green ones have enough water.
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The bath method: submerge the transparent pot in settled water for 15–20 minutes so the bark soaks up moisture. Then let all excess water drain away.
3. Spring restart: time for feeding and repotting
April and May are the key months for growth.
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Feeding: from spring to the end of autumn add a special liquid fertiliser to the water once every 14 days.
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Repotting: if the roots overflow the pot or the substrate has crumbled to dust, it is time to act. We have prepared a detailed guide for you: How to repot an orchid correctly, step by step.
SOS: the most common problems and how to solve them
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Yellowing leaves: most often the result of overwatering. If the roots are brown and soft, the plant is rotting.
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Dropping buds: the cause is usually temperature shock (a draught), proximity to a hot radiator or ethylene from ripening fruit (apples, bananas) near the flower.
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Trimming flower stems: cut off a finished flower stem only once it has turned completely yellow. If it is green, the plant may produce flowers on it again!
Order your orchid safely to your door
Want to brighten your interior or looking for a gift that lasts for months? Our orchid range includes the most beautiful pieces ready for immediate delivery.
Written by the KvětinyExpres.cz team (in cooperation with head florist Andrea)
Related: Cymbidium (Boat Orchid): Care, Watering & Reblooming.
