There is a motto amongst orchid growers for fertilising orchid houseplants; “Weakly, weekly!”

Orchids need plenty of feed to grow, so a very diluted mix of a 20-20-20 fertiliser with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is recommended. Little and often is the recommendation for orchid care. Less frequent fertilising is also okay, but monthly at minimum is the general rule to keep your orchid happy and healthy. 

When it comes to water, orchids require morning watering, sparingly, and hate being waterlogged (which leads to root rot). Make sure to always avoid overwatering, as this is the main cause of orchid deaths! In the growing months, from early Spring to late August, you can water your orchid once every 7-10 days. Want to know a top secret? Orchids absolutely thrive when they’re given rainwater! It makes a real difference and helps promote fresh new growth. 

In winter, indoor orchids can be watered even less often. Many orchids come in special pots that can help to avoid this. Although it varies slightly between varieties, with most orchids it’s ok to let the soil almost completely dry out between each watering. Bear in mind that orchids enjoy a slightly humid environment, too. 

It’s not difficult to decorate a home with orchids; they’re an eye-catching bunch! 

Most orchid varieties for the home are plants that would naturally grow in the canopy, with dappled light and some protection from full sun. Orchids enjoy bright, indirect light, so an eastern or southern window is an ideal spot for them. West facing windows tend to offer excess sunlight and heat, and north facing offer too little. Excess direct sunlight can burn an orchid, but inadequate light can lead to some growth but no flowers. Find a happy medium to keep your orchid blooming beautifully. 

Windowsills are ideal and give your orchid enough room to grow. As long as you give your orchid the right conditions, you can place it anywhere in the home - their stunning blooms have the ability to brighten up any room. Bathrooms and kitchens or other humid spaces like conservatories are ideal for orchids, with adequate moisture in the air and no need to intervene. 

The popular phalaenopsis orchid is an epiphyte and can be mounted on a wall for an interesting look. How about a collection of orchids as wall décor? The more the merrier! We have a range of stunning orchids for sale at Bloombox Club. 

Dendrobium 'Thailand Black', also known as the ‘Bamboo Orchid’ due to the interesting upward-growing stalks. This gorgeous variety is an exquisite lightly-scented orchid with richly-coloured blooms! These orchid plants are epiphytes that naturally grow on the trunks of trees throughout Asia, and Polynesia. 

Cambria Orchid 'Nelly Iser' has a celebratory appearance, with pomegranate-coloured blooms, coral-coloured lower leaves and a flash of yellow in the centre. These fresh-looking forest blossoms would make a wonderful gift. 

Phalaenopsis Orchid 'Cosy Candy' is a colourful variety of a popular indoor orchid, also known as the “moth orchid”. With these bold candy colours and multiple blooms, this indoor orchid resembles a kaleidoscope of butterflies. 

Dendrobium 'Kumiko' is a stunning indoor orchid with a huge flurry of white, pink and yellow flowers, with a gently ruffled appearance and a subtly sweet-smelling fragrance. The name Dendrobium comes from the words dendron, meaning tree, and bios, meaning life; these orchids grow on the trunks of forest trees. Try mounting one on your wall!

Dendrobium Orchid 'Apollon' is another ‘bamboo orchid’, with tall stems in the same signature green tones of bamboo shoots, and lightly scented white flowers cascading beneath the leaves. If you’re looking for a small jungle getaway for your desk, this orchid is the perfect match.

Phalaenopsis 'Santa Rosa' is another beautiful easy-care classic; a “moth orchid” in pastel pink with fuschia markings. The genus Phalaenopsis is native to some regions of Australia and Asia, but the ones being sold are actually cultivars that boasts the genus’ most desirable traits.

To get your orchids to flower, there are a few simple steps you need to follow. Sometimes it’s as simple as removing the dry flowers so new ones can grow back on the green stalk!

If the stalk starts to wooden, a few steps need to be taken. First, cut off the old flower stalk all the way down to the base of the plant. Then, place your orchid next to a cool window in your coolest room to stimulate blooming. Orchids require a drop in temperature of ~6 °C for a month to stimulate blooming, so with a little bit of persistence and dedication, your orchid will be blooming in no time!

The simple answer is no! Most orchids cannot truly survive in full sun, and certainly won’t thrive. The majority of orchid plants naturally grow under the canopy, protected from the intense solar radiation of direct sun. Excess direct sun will burn them, and damage the leaves, turning them yellow, then brown, and making them more susceptible to pests and disease. If left in direct sunlight for too long, the orchid will likely not survive and will lose its luscious appearance. The good news? Sunburn on orchids is not always fatal, and the problem can be remedied by moving the orchid plant to a shadier spot and reducing sun exposure.

Orchids can be kept in the garden given the right conditions. Orchids will be happiest indoors during colder months, as most indoor varieties are tropical or sub-tropical and require warmth to survive. Some orchid growers take their indoor orchids outside during the summer for the extra humidity, airflow, and sunlight that promotes growth. There are several factors to consider before doing this, and a spot with shade or dappled light is recommended for the adjustment. See our first FAQ for more pointers on taking your orchid plant outside for the summer.