Although orchids have a reputation for being difficult to care for, with the right growing conditions these striking houseplants—which can survive for up to 15 years—easily thrive.
In the wild, orchids are able to live about 20 years, depending on the type of orchid and the environment. Potted orchids do not have quite the same life span, but with proper care, it is not usual for orchids to live for between 10 to 15 years. There are some reports of orchids living for significantly longer.
If you find that your orchid has bad roots, snip them off with a sterilized cutting tool and then repot it. On the other hand, if the part of the orchid that connects the leaves and the roots is mushy, it is time to toss the plant.
However, there is at least one cultivated orchid that is over 100 years old. At the Singapore Botanical Garden, there is a specimen of giant orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), also called tiger orchid, which was planted in 1861, shortly after the garden was founded, and is therefore 159 years old.
1) Crown and roots: If the crown--the part of the plant that connects the leaves and the roots--is brown and mushy (this can occur from too much water), the orchid is likely dead. However, a healthy, resting orchid has roots that are green or white and plump or firm to the touch.
In general, water once a week during the winter and twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry. The size of your orchid container also helps determine how often you need to water, regardless of climate conditions. Typically, a 6-inch pot needs water every 7 days and a 4-inch pot needs water every 5 to 6 days.
You can remove the entire flower spike so that the orchid plant can put more energy back into the leaves and roots, helping it to grow stronger and produce a fresh new flower spike. Be sure to use sterilized pruning shears or scissors versus a knife. This will avoid damage to the plant.
Most orchids bloom once a year, but if they are really happy, they may bloom more often. If you want an orchid that blooms during a particular season, the best bet is to purchase a plant that is in bloom at that time. When an orchid does flower it usually remains in bloom for six to ten weeks.
When an orchid has finished blooming, its blooms will wilt and fall off, making many orchid plant parents worry that their orchid has died. Don't worry! This is what orchids do before entering into a resting period, allowing it to store up energy for eventual reblooming.
An orchid generally needs water once a week during the winter and twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry. An orchid shouldn't go longer than two to three weeks without water; it will start dying.
Like other houseplants, orchids will eventually start to grow roots out of their container or even grow so big that they'll become a little top-heavy for their pot. Don't worry; all that growth is a good thing! It means your plants are thriving because you've been taking good care of them.
Orchids should be repotted when new; every year or two; or when crowded roots push up and out of the pot.
Orchids work in cycle between growing new leaves and new roots to new blooms. And without it having current leaves, a new leaf cannot grow because leaves grow from the middle of existing leaves. Without leaves it can not produce new leaves, new roots, and thus new blooms. The whole cycle breaks down.
Orchids will grow new stems, fortunately. You can propagate a new Phalaenopsis or Vanda orchids from stem cuttings. Or you can divide a cattleya's rhizomes. You can also expect a flower spike to grow back after cutting it down when its blooms die.
Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all "necessary trace elements." Regardless of the fertilizer formulation you choose to use, it should contain little or no urea.
Orchids require enough sunlight to produce flowers, but some require full sun for the whole day while others grow better only in the shade. Most orchids fall somewhere in the middle – requiring indirect sunlight or dappled light.
Orchids generally love humid conditions because they're a tropical plant. The easiest way to recreate their humid home is by misting them with a spray bottle.
An east or south facing window provides bright enough light for growing orchids. South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark.
Unopened buds are the most sensitive parts of an orchid, and unsanitary handling can be one of the main causes of orchid viruses. First know there is no real reason or need to touch unopened orchid buds. However, if you must touch, make sure to thoroughly wash with soap and warm water before handling your plant.
Overwatered orchids will have leaves that look limp or sometimes leathery depending on the species. The existing leaves may begin turning yellow, and new leaves may look pleated. Usually a change in the leaves is the most visible warning sign that orchids give.
3. Plunge in water. The best way to water an orchid is not to simply pour water into the top of its pot, but rather to give it a weekly plunge into water. Then lift up the pot and let any excess water drain out through the holes in the bottom of the pot.