00:00Between the tall, gently curving stems and long-lasting, unique flowers, it is no wonder orchids are popular houseplants.
00:09However, orchids can be a challenging plant for beginner houseplant parents because they have specific care requirements that are different
00:17from other common houseplants.
00:20Additionally, orchids are known for their delicate and intricate blooms, which can be intimidating for new plant owners to try
00:26and maintain.
00:28These specific care requirements may make it difficult for beginners to keep orchids healthy and thriving, which can lead to
00:35disappointment and frustration.
00:37But with our tips, tricks, and a little bit of gardening know-how, we can ensure that your new orchid
00:42will flourish in your home for years to come.
00:46There are more than 20,000 types of orchids in the world, but the most common types to use as
00:51houseplants are moth orchids.
00:54Moth orchids bloom once or twice a year, and each flower can last as long as three months with the
00:59proper care.
01:00These are usually the types found at your local grocery store, garden center, and other specialty retailers.
01:06Most often they are available in white, but varying shades of pink, purple, and peach can also be found.
01:13We must first select a pot that will allow them to grow to their fullest potential.
01:18When you purchase an orchid, they are usually sold in a clear plastic pot with several drainage holes.
01:23They may or may not be placed inside another decorative container.
01:27The not-so-attractive clear plastic pot does have some benefits, including ample drainage and the ability to easily inspect
01:35the roots for pests, disease, or overcrowding.
01:38Plus, you can easily switch decorative containers to correspond to different room decor or seasons.
01:45Special pots are often marketed for orchids, but any pot with good drainage can house an orchid plant.
01:50Most orchids do, however, prefer squat pots to allow their roots to spread out, not down.
01:58When growing any type of orchid, light is the key to maintaining healthy plants.
02:03In general, orchids prefer bright, filtered light and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
02:11Orchids should be placed in the home with available light sources in mind.
02:14This includes the proximity to windows, especially those east or south facing.
02:20If the sunlight is especially intense, you may need to hang a sheer curtain to scatter some of the light.
02:26If a window sill is your only option, moth orchids are especially tolerant of different light conditions from bright to
02:33medium.
02:34However, if the orchid is not receiving enough light, they may not bloom as often or at all.
02:41Orchids should be watered about once per week, but the frequency can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of
02:47your home.
02:48Be sure to not overwater your orchid, as this can lead to root rot.
02:53Basically, orchids like their growing medium to dry out between waterings.
02:57When watering your orchid, it's best to use room temperature water at the base of the plant, not on the
03:03leaves.
03:04Allow the orchid to drain properly and don't let the plant sit in water.
03:08If your plant lives in a clear plastic pot within a decorative pot, it is a good idea to remove
03:14it during watering to allow for proper drainage.
03:18Also, be sure to water your orchids in the morning so that the moisture has time to evaporate.
03:23While they don't do well sitting in water, orchids do like humidity.
03:27You can create a humid environment by filling a tray with a layer of gravel and adding just enough water
03:32that the gravel isn't quite submerged.
03:34Place your orchid's pot atop this tray.
03:37The evaporating water from the gravel tray will surround your plant in moisture.
03:42This is especially important when growing your orchids on a windowsill.
03:46Orchids prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
03:50Avoid placing them in drafty areas or near air conditioning vents.
03:54They also prefer warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night.
03:59During the growing season, orchids should be fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer with high levels of nitrogen.
04:06Any fertilizer specific to orchids would be ideal.
04:10Fertilize the plants once monthly.
04:12For best results though, dilute the fertilizer by half.
04:16In the winter when the plant is dormant, fertilize less often at a higher dilution rate.
04:20It is also a good idea to flush the plant with clean water once in a while to get rid
04:25of any fertilizer residue not used by the plant.
04:28When it comes to blooming, orchids can be a bit tricky.
04:32But with proper care, they will typically bloom once or twice per year and each bloom cycle can last for
04:37several weeks to several months.
04:40Once the blooms have wilted, it's important to remove them promptly to encourage new blooms.
04:45Once the final flower has faded, you can cut the main stem back to just a couple of inches from
04:50the soil with a clean sharp knife or scissors.
04:53This not only improves the appearance of the plant, but prevents it from wasting energy keeping a non-producing stem
05:00alive.
05:01Repotting your orchid is only necessary every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
05:07When repotting, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix specially formulated for orchids and then choose a new
05:14container that is only 1-2 inches larger than the one before.
05:18For more know-how on repotting orchids, click or tap the link in the description of this video.
05:23Even if we follow guidelines to a tee, sometimes the leaves may turn yellow or even brown.
05:29Leaves that are beginning to yellow are usually caused by a lack of proper watering.
05:33It is important to find a balance between slightly moist yet not waterlogged.
05:39Leaves that turn brown may be caused by too much direct sunlight or low humidity.
05:44Be sure to keep your orchid in a well-lit spot but not in direct sunlight and provide humidity around
05:50your plant when necessary.
05:52Growing orchids can be a fun and rewarding hobby for beginners.
05:55Once you know the basics, your orchid will thrive and bring beauty to your home for many years to come.
06:01And who knows, you may soon have a beautiful collection of orchids to admire of your very own.
06:06For more information on houseplant care, please check out our complete guide to houseplants using the link below.
06:12And be sure to subscribe to our channel for more gardening know-how.
06:16Well, thanks for watching and happy gardening!
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