Partner Post: Easy Orchid Care Guide from Centurion Tools

How do you get beautiful, colorful blooms that last for months indoors? Easy! Try growing a moth orchid! These houseplants are easy to care for and sure to delight. Here’s how to care for orchids to get the most bang for your bloom.

Orchids can be found at most grocery stores, home improvement stores and plant nurseries. Start by picking an orchid with the most unopened flower buds so that the flowering time will last even longer.

And, when it’s finished flowering don’t throw it away. It may not deserve the most prominent spot in the house, but put in an east-facing window and be patient. With a bit of care, it will bloom again for months on end. Read on for more tips.

Water

How often to water your orchid depends on several factors, such as what it’s grown in, the amount of light it gets and what time of year it is. Sound too complicated? Don’t worry, here is a foolproof method. Once a week, place orchids in a sink with lukewarm water. Let them soak it in for 15-30 minutes. Drain the water and let orchids drip dry for at least 30 minutes. That ensures the bark or moss it’s planted in is moist but no standing water is left to rot the roots.

Light

Moth orchids grow in “low” light. That means an east facing window. South and west windows work too if the plant is protected with a sheer curtain. The foliage should be olive green. If it seems darker, it needs more light. If they turn a reddish color, they’re getting too much sun. When your orchid is in bloom give it a prominent place to show it off. It will be fine almost anyplace except in harsh afternoon light.

Temperature

Orchids like the same temperatures we do, one of the reasons they do so well as houseplants. Anything above 60º F at night and 70º F to 80º F during the day is best. Keep in mind that temperatures in window sills can be hotter or colder than the ambient temperature.

Fertilizing

Look for a liquid fertilizer specially formulated for orchids. Feed your orchid weekly at half strength or at full strength every two to four weeks when in bloom.

Pruning and Staking

When new flower stems are several inches long, it’s a good idea to stake them. It’s more attractive to have the stems growing vertically then off to the side or hanging down. This Garden Wire and Clip Set works perfectly. When the flowers have finished blooming, you can either cut the stems off at the base of the foliage with our snips, or leave two nodes, think brown lines on the stem. Leaving two nodes will often encourage the plants to bloom again in eight to twelve weeks.

Decorate the think about decorating with orchids. It’s an elegant look and there are so many ways to display them.

Can you spell P-i-n-t-e-r-e-s-t?