Q&A for How to Grow Orchids

Orchids need enough water but should be given the chance to dry out between waterings. So, use your finger to poke the top inch of soil to test if it needs watering. If the orchid is indoors, it needs between 50 and 70% humidity.

Yes, the ice-cube melts slowly, giving the orchid a slow source of hydration so it doesn't drown.

Once the orchid starts to go dormant, begin using a balanced fertilizer on it each month. Make sure the temperature of the orchid is between 55 and 65 degrees. Keep the plant in indirect sunlight until the flower spike shows. Once the spike is around 5" tall, brace it with a tie-up.

Orchids do not like direct sunlight, as it can cause them to burn. On the other hand, if the orchid does not get enough light, it may not flower.

Nothing special. Fertilize it with diluted liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis. Water it when you see the visible roots get gray. If the flowers are falling off, it is normal, cut the stem off completely and it will grow larger stems with bigger flowers next time.

Yes, it is. With those roots, the orchid can take humidity and carbon dioxide from the air.

A leaf growing on a flower stem probably is a baby orchid starting to grow. Securely stake the stem it is growing on, and trim it back. When the stem above the baby dies, it might even flower on its own. Leave it there at least until it has several healthy roots of its own, or if the stem between the two orchids dies off.

Yes, as long as it's the same variety of orchid. Just make they have enough space.

Cut back to where the stem is green and dust the raw end of the stem with ground cinnamon.

Transplant them between the middle of June and the end of August. Make sure you move them before you give them water. Transplant first, then water.

Yes, unless its a pal orchid, then cut just above the second to last node that had a flower and usually it'll flower again.

Yes, but do not cover all the roots, because the orchid can breathe and take moisture through the external roots.

You can check the time of year; orchids generally start to bloom when nights grow colder. Bloom spikes look like a little green stem with mitten-shaped ends and grow upwards, while roots grow downward or sideways.

Most orchids, like dendrobium and phalaenopsis, bloom once a year. Others like vanda orchids bloom once every few years, and some bloom multiple times a year.

It is not necessary, but the flower stem will not grow upright without being supported. It also helps keep the stem from breaking as easily.

There's no such thing. The answerer of that question was most likely referring to the Phal (Phalaenopsis) orchid.

You may have exposed your orchid to too much sunlight, too much fertilizer, or it might be infected by some diseases. You can adjust your system care in your orchids in 1 and 2, but in 3, try to change the medium of your orchid with a new one.

Yes, but it's not necessary. If the circumstances are proper your orchid will bloom for months regardless. I would suggest liquid fertilizer diluted with water.

Yes, but it is better to plant them in different pots. In big pots you can plant more, but it will be hard to repot them because of their roots.

Sometimes orchids have strange endings where the leaves sprout out. If the bud where the "leaf" is coming out is purple, pink, or white in color, then you might have a problem.

Take the plant out of its pot and wash the roots until the ants are gone.

No, you should not. After the flowers fall off, you can cut the stem completely, then it will grow a much larger stem with bigger flowers.

You shouldn't; your orchid could become over-fertilized, and it retains too much moisture, which will rot its roots.

Use dyed ice cubes to water your orchid. The plant will absorb the water and the dye, and regain the blue color.

They have to have a very special germination medium to grow from seed. In fact, it's best to buy seedlings already in a flask, ready to be transplanted.

A leaf growing on a flower stem probably is a baby orchid starting to grow. Securely stake the stem it is growing on and trim it back. When the stem above the baby dies, it might even flower on its own. Leave it there at least until it has several healthy roots of its own, or if the stem between the two orchids dies off.

If the roots have a papery feel to them, even after watering the plant, then you can trim that section off. If the roots are grey or faded but not flat, crunchy, or brittle, then the root is still alive. Orchid roots need both water and air for the plant to survive.

Yes. Caterpillars eat other plants as well, such as chives. If you see any on your plants, fill up a bucket of soapy water and (with gloves on) drop them inside to drown them. If you see any eggs, remove the part of the egg they've been lain on.

The three most common types of artificial lighting used in growing orchids are fluorescent, high-intensity discharge, and LED. Incandescent light bulbs, which are basic household bulbs, are not recommended because they give off a lot of heat and are not energy efficient.

Only do it if the root is dead or dry. The roots need air along with water.