How to Care for Orchid Arrangements

Water your orchids every 5 to 12 days with a spray bottle filled with clean water. Remove the decorative pot from the outside of the orchid pot, and place the orchids outside, in the sink, or in the bath. Thoroughly moisten the planting substrate, but do not drench the orchid. Avoid getting the leaves or flowers wet, as this can encourage the growth of fungus. Allow any dripping to stop before you place the orchid back in the decorative pot. Do not let the orchid pot stand in water, and let the planting media dry between waterings.

Fertilize the plant beginning at the end of spring with a basic plant fertilizer at 1/3 strength. Simply mix the fertilizer into the watering can or spray bottle every other watering, and moisten the orchid normally. Do not fertilize through the winter.

Keep the orchids in a cool, bright location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Most average indoor temperatures are perfect for orchids, between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

Repot the orchid as needed, usually every two years. Orchids should be kept somewhat pot-bound so that they focus their energy on flower development rather than new plant growth, and a certain amount of root growth above the surface is normal. When a large amount of roots begin clambering out of the pot, it's time to upgrade.

Use a commercially available orchid potting mix, or a mixture of volcanic rock, peat, and chopped bark fiber. Never plant orchids in soil. They naturally grow anchored to trees or rocks, and burying the roots in dirt will kill them.

Trim any wilted flowers ½ inch above the place where the flower spike breaks through the foliage.