How to Get an Orchid Plant to Grow Flowers

Lighting

• 1

  Evaluate your orchid to determine if it is receiving enough light. Dark green foliage generally signifies too little light. Orchid foliage should be medium to light green and firm. Mottled leaves should show good contrast in coloring. Weak blooms or a lack of blooms indicates too little light.

• 2

  Avoid placing orchids in northern windows, as they do not receive enough light to produce blooms. A northeastern window may be sufficient, but observe the window carefully to determine how much light it actually receives.

• 3

  Place orchids in bright eastern or western windows. Check to be sure that buildings, trees or other structures that may inhibit light do not obstruct the light. Avoid heavy curtains or shades that are pulled for a portion of the day.

• 4

  Select southern windows that receive some shading during the hottest months for best results. Adjust the placement of your orchid for maximum results. Moving it a few inches away from direct sunlight may produce the best blooms. Bright filtered light can be achieved by adding a sheer curtain.

• 5

  Check the light requirements for you specific orchid, as the requirements do vary between species. You can find this listed on the plant tag that is in the pot or review culture sheets from the American Orchid Society (See resources.) Follow the recommendations for your species of orchid.

Water and Fertilizer

• 6

  Water ephiphytes, air rooted orchids, every three to five days during hot humid weather and decrease to every 10 days during the winter months. Allow the roots to dry slightly between waterings.

• 7

  Allow Phalaenopsis, also known as moth orchids, to dry slightly before watering. These orchids can withstand dry soil for two to three days.

• 8

  Provide terrestrial orchids potted in a peat or soil mixture with adequate water to keep the soil moist. Do not allow the soil to dry between waterings.

• 9

  Fertilize orchids with plant food designed for orchids. Once a month, an application of fertilizer provides the nutrients needed for optimum growth and blooming.

• 10

  Grow orchids inside with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. Place on a tray of pebbles covered with water to increase humidity.