Orchid

Orchid

Orchids are elegant flowering houseplants that can reward you with beautiful blooms year after year. With the right light and watering routine, they're surprisingly easy to look after.

Where to position

Choose a bright position with plenty of indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window. Avoid strong direct sunlight, particularly through glass, as this can scorch the leaves.

Watering

• Orchids don't like sitting in water.
• Check the roots or growing medium before watering.
• Water when the growing medium has started to dry.
• Allow excess water to drain away completely.
• Avoid leaving water sitting in the centre of the leaves.

Top watering tip: It's better to underwater slightly than keep an orchid constantly wet.

Temperature & humidity

Orchids enjoy warm, humid conditions and generally do well in normal household temperatures.

Keep them away from cold draughts, radiators and very hot windows.

Feeding & repotting

Feed during the growing season with a specialist orchid feed, following the instructions on the product.

Repot every couple of years, or when the growing medium has broken down, using a specialist orchid compost or bark-based growing medium.

Common problems

Yellowing leaves
Older leaves naturally yellow and drop, but widespread yellowing can indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

Flowers dropping
Flowers naturally fade after flowering. Sudden changes in temperature, light or watering can also cause flowers to drop prematurely.

Wrinkled leaves
Often a sign that the plant isn't taking up enough water. Check the roots and growing medium.

Roots turning brown or mushy
Usually caused by too much moisture. Check that the plant has good drainage and isn't sitting in water.

Top tips

• Don't overwater: Let the growing medium become slightly dry before watering again.
• Keep water out of the crown: Avoid leaving water sitting between the leaves.
• Give it good light: Bright, indirect light helps encourage healthy growth and flowering.
• Don't worry when flowers fade: With good care, your orchid can flower again.

Pet & child safety

Most commonly sold Phalaenopsis (moth) orchids are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but it's best to prevent pets from chewing the plant.