When and how often your orchid blooms will really depend on the type of orchid you have. However, if you water the plant, fertilize it properly, trim it, and give it enough light, you should be able to maximize the number of blooms, no matter what type you have.
Water
Orchids are tropical plants, but that doesn't mean they have to be watered frequently. In fact, too much water will kill the roots. Generally speaking, you should water your orchids every five to 12 days.Of course, even this depends on the type of orchid, the temperature of its environment, and the time of year. You should water more often in the warm summer months and less often in the cooler, shorter days of winter. It's important to find out as much as can about the orchid you have because some orchids like to be kept moist, while others do better if almost let them dry out between watering.
Did You Know?
An orchid has bilateral symmetry - like a human face - so if a line is drawn vertically down the middle of the flower, the two halves are mirror images of each other.
Fertilizer
When buying a fertilizer, be sure to find one that is specifically formulated for orchids and follow the instructions on the label. Depending on the type of orchid you have, you'll probably only fertilize it once a month. If you use too much fertilizer or fertilize it too often, you can easily damage the roots. If you don't fertilize often enough, you might end up with a stunted plants that doesn't do as well as it could.Blooms
If your orchid ever stops blooming, there are a few thigs you can do encourage a new bloom. If your plant is nice and healthy, cut the old flower stem fairly high up, above a notch and below the lowest bloom.That should encourage the plant to shoot out a new flowering branch. If you orchid has thin drooping leaves, or it's a small plant, you should cut the flower stem all the way down to the base. This will allow it some time to develop a stronger, healthier stem, which will produce nicer flowers. Just be aware that this process can take up to a year. Be patient.
Did You Know?
Perhaps one of the most popular species of orchids, the "flat leafed" vanilla plant is also one of the most widespread. Horticulturalists all over Latin America cultivate the plant for its flavorful charms.
Light
If you are having problems getting your orchid to bloom, you're probably not giving it enough light. Move your orchid close to a window with plenty of sunshine. Your orchid should be getting at least 12 hours of sunlight every day. Just be careful if you live in a warm climate; don't let direct sunlight burn the leaves.And if you live a cooler climate, make sure your orchid doesn't freeze overnight. A good indication that your orchid is getting enough light will be the leaf color. Healthy orchids should be bright green. Dark green means the plant is not getting enough light; reddish-green means it's getting too much.
Pests
Depending on where in your home you keep your orchids, you may have to contend with certain pests that favour the delicate orchid blooms or the rich leaves of the plant. Snails and slugs like to burrow into the soil and chew on young root tips. At night they like to come out and chew on the leaves and stems.Aphids can also be a problem, especially since they like to feast on the new buds before they have a chance to bloom. If you see a brown or black crust on the leaves and stems, your plant may be falling prey to the scale insect. Your method of dealing with pests will depend on the type of pest. Talk to someone at your local garden center about the best products to control these pests.
Popular Orchids
Some of the more popular orchids are moth orchids, dendrobium orchids, slipper orchids, and boat orchids. These are the orchids you'll find at the grocery store, on magazine covers, and many homes.Moth Orchids
Probably the most common type of orchid is the moth orchid. In the wild, moth orchids grow on trees in a very moist environment. They tend to have long flower spikes and look very graceful. They usually bloom only once or twice a year, but their flowers usually last two or three months.
Did You Know?
Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants. They have also been around the longest as they are one of the oldest flowers in existence. There are more than 25,000 documented orchid species throughout the world.
Dendrobium Orchids
Dendrobium orchids come in a variety of colors, including white, green, purple, pink, and yellow. They prefer a warm environment and may or may not require a much cooler temperature at night. Again, it depends on which particular dendrobium you have.Slipper Orchids
Lady slipper orchids are popular because of their exotic looks. They are unique flowers that have almost pouch-shaped lips. This is not a good plant with which to start your orchid collection because they can be a very fussy indoor plant. They are also quite expensive and can cost hundreds of dollars. They do have some spectacular colors though, ranging anywhere from a gentle pink to a splashy yellow, as well as stark white or a beautifully dark green, dark red or brown.Boat Orchids
One of the most popular and often recognized orchids is the boat orchid. They have big showy flowers that can last quite a long time. This gorgeous example of an exotic orchid comes in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, green, red, brown, and peach.| Common Name | Scientific Name | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Moth Orchids | Phalaenopsis | pink, yellow, green, red, brown, peach |
| Dendrobium Orchids | Dendrobium | white, green, purple, pink, yellow |
| Slipper Orchids | Paphiopedilum | dark red, brown and green |
| Boat Orchids | Cymbidium | pink, yellow, green, red, brown, peach |
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