To care for an orchid properly and keep it healthy and blooming, follow these key guidelines:

Light

• Provide plenty of bright, indirect light. A south- or east-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves

Watering

• Water about once a week, allowing the growing medium to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot

• Use room-temperature or lukewarm water, never ice-cold water

• Water thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes, then let the pot drain fully

• Check the roots: plump green or white roots indicate sufficient moisture; shriveled gray roots mean the plant needs water; black or brown shriveled roots suggest rot

Growing Medium

• Use a lightweight, well-draining orchid-specific mix, typically containing bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Do not use regular potting soil

Temperature and Humidity

• Maintain temperatures between 50°F and 90°F, ideally around 60-75°F

• Orchids prefer humidity levels between 40% and 70%. Avoid placing them near cold drafts or heating vents that dry the air

Fertilizing

• Feed orchids during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) diluted to half strength

• Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant period in winter

Additional Tips

• Repot orchids every 1-2 years using fresh orchid mix to maintain healthy roots

• After flowering, prune the flower spike just above the second node to encourage reblooming

• Avoid letting water sit in the crown of the plant to prevent crown rot

By following these care steps, your orchid can thrive and bloom repeatedly, making it a rewarding houseplant to grow