Potted Orchids
An orchid is a gift that lasts: with a little attention it flowers for weeks and can bloom again. Choose a color and have it delivered to the address you give.
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Why orchids make good gifts
The most common potted orchid, the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis), usually flowers for many weeks and, treated well, blooms again. It has no scent, sheds no pollen and needs no vase, so it suits an office, an older person's flat or a home where strong fragrances are unwelcome. Unlike a bouquet it needs no trimming or water changes: after unwrapping, just put it somewhere bright.
Pick the color for the occasion. White orchids are elegant and versatile: thanks, offices, condolences. Pink is tender, purple deep, and colorful orchids bring a burst of cheer to a room.
Orchid care basics
- Give it bright light but no harsh midday sun; an east or west window works well.
- Water when the roots in the clear pot turn silvery gray. Soak the pot for 10 to 15 minutes, then let it drain completely.
- Never leave water standing in the outer pot or in the center of the leaf rosette, where the base rots easily.
- Keep it away from radiators and fruit bowls; both can make buds drop.
- Every few weeks add orchid fertilizer to the water, especially while new leaves or spikes are growing.
After flowering
Do not throw it away. If the flower spike is still green, cut it above the second or third node and it often grows a new side branch with flowers. Support a spike full of buds with a thin stake and a clip so it does not snap under the weight of the flowers. Remove a dried spike at the base. Every two years, repot into fresh orchid bark rather than ordinary soil. More easy-going houseplants are in potted plants.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water an orchid?
Roughly once a week, more often in summer and less in winter. The roots are the most reliable guide: green means the plant has water, silvery gray means it is time.
Why is my orchid dropping its buds?
Usually because of a draft, a sudden temperature change, drying out or ripening fruit nearby. It also happens after transport or a move to a new spot, so give the plant a few days to settle in.
Will my orchid flower again?
Yes, if it gets enough light and spends a few autumn weeks somewhere a few degrees cooler at night than during the day. That temperature drop prompts it to grow a new flower spike.
Are orchids safe for cats?
The moth orchid, the most common potted orchid, is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet likes chewing plants, keep it out of reach anyway.