How to Care for a Cut Orchid

The Orchidaceae family contains over 20,000 species of exotic-looking monocot-flowering plants that are known by the collective common name "orchid." Featuring thick, glossy green leaves and long-lasting blossoms, orchids make excellent cut flowers that are equally lovely on their own or as part of a much larger arrangement. With some simple, common-sense care, extend the life of your cut orchid and keep it looking its best for as long as possible.

Lemon-lime soda
Household bleach
Glass vase
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Combine 1 pint of lemon-lime soda with 1/2 tsp. of household bleach and 1 pint of warm water to create a homemade floral preservative to prolong the life of your cut orchids. Pour the mixture into a clean glass vase; the liquid should be approximately half as deep as the length of the orchid stem. Store any excess floral preservative at room temperature.
- 2
  Hold the cut end of the orchid under warm, gently running water. Use sharpened and sterilized pruning shears to re-cut the orchid stem at a 45-degree angle. Place the cut orchid in the prepared vase immediately.
- 3
  Protect your cut orchid from direct sunlight and overly warm temperatures to prevent the blossoms from aging too quickly. Place the vase in a cool location that is at least 6 feet away from air conditioners, heaters, drafts, televisions or computers.
- 4
  Check the liquid level in the vase daily; the depth of the liquid should be half the length of the orchid's stem. Add more floral preservative, as necessary, to keep half the stem submerged. Replace the liquid floral preservative in the vase immediately if it becomes cloudy.

Varieties of Phalaenopsis Orchids

How to Separate Phalaenopsis Orchids

Orchids