Caring for your orchid

If you were lucky enough to receive an orchid for Mother’s Day or have simply picked up one of the plants as a treat to yourself then you’re probably wondering how best to care for it.

Orchids are super easy to look after. The number one rule for orchid care is not to overwater. Overwatering is the biggest killer of these plants. An orchid’s roots and compost should be almost dry before you water, once they are you can soak it for 15 minutes in your kitchen sink.

Feed your orchid with a quality feed and ensure it is kept out of intense sunlight. 

Once the orchid’s flowers have died or are dying you can cut off the flower spike (the stem the flowers are on) above any new buds. The resulting side stem will continue to flower.

Once the spike dies back, cut it off at the base of the plant to encourage re-growth next year.

Unless your orchid is a Phalaenopsis, you should re-pot it the spring after purchase, then every second spring using a barm/coir-based medium. It’s a good idea to use a clear pot with lots of drainage holes as clear pots allow you to see the root system, aiding correct watering.