5 Things You Should Not Do With Orchids

Indoor orchids add a touch of class and exotic beauty to any space. Known for their colorful blooms, these plants can thrive indoors under the right care. However, orchids can also be sensitive and require specific conditions to flourish. 

Our blog will discuss five common orchid problems and how you can avoid them to keep your indoor orchids thriving.

Mistake 1: Overwatering or Underwatering

One of the most common problems in orchid care is watering. While regular moisture is important for orchids, they are also very prone to root rot if overwatered and dehydration if underwatered. Striking the right balance can be challenging. 

Tips for Proper Watering:

• Check the Potting Medium: How often your orchid plant needs water depends on its type and the medium in which it’s already potted. Orchids grown in bark generally need more frequent watering than those growing in sphagnum moss, which retains moisture longer. 
• Use the “Soak and Dry” Method: Water orchids thoroughly, allowing water to run through the pot and then letting it drain completely. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot.
• Pay Attention to the Environment: Factors like humidity, temperature, and pot size can impact how quickly orchids dry out. Warmer temperatures and low humidity will mean more frequent watering, while cooler conditions or a high-humidity environment may require less.

Mistake 2: Insufficient or Excessive Light

Proper lighting is crucial for orchids. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can prevent them from blooming. Most indoor orchids thrive with indirect sunlight, which provides them with the light they need without the risk of sunburn.

Lighting Tips:

• Position Near a Window: Place orchids near an east or west-facing window where they can get bright, indirect sunlight. South-facing windows might be too intense, especially in warmer climates.
• Consider Artificial Lighting: If natural light is insufficient, especially in winter, supplement with fluorescent or LED grow lights. These lights should be positioned at a safe distance to provide enough light without overheating the plant.
• Observe Leaf Color: Healthy orchid leaves should be a medium green color. Dark green leaves might indicate low light, while yellowish or scorched leaves can suggest too much sun.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Humidity and Air Circulation

One of the top things you shouldn’t do with orchids is underestimate how much humidity they need. Orchids are tropical plants that thrive in high humidity, which can be hard to replicate indoors. Without sufficient moisture, their leaves and roots can become dry and stressed, making them more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal and bacterial infections.

Maintaining Humidity and Airflow:

• Use a Humidity Tray or Mist Regularly: Placing a humidity tray beneath the orchid or misting it lightly each day can help maintain moisture around the plant. Avoid misting the flowers directly, as this can lead to spots and quicker wilting.
• Invest in a Humidifier: A humidifier can help raise the overall humidity in a room, especially during colder months when indoor air tends to be drier.
• Ensure Proper Airflow: Orchids benefit from gentle airflow, which can help prevent mold and fungus. You can set a small fan on low to circulate air around the plant without drying it out.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Potting Medium

One of the common problems orchid owners face is using the wrong potting medium. Orchids are epiphytes, which means they naturally grow on trees or rocks rather than in soil. This means you have to be careful about choosing the potting medium, especially for your indoor orchids. Regular potting soil can suffocate orchid roots, which ultimately leads to poor health and a lack of blooms.

Selecting the Right Potting Medium:

• Opt for Orchid-Specific Mixes: These are usually made from materials like bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss, which provide good drainage and aeration.
• Avoid Dense, Heavy Soils: Regular soil retains too much moisture and restricts airflow, which can harm orchid roots. Orchids require a medium that allows their roots to “breathe.”
• Consider Your Orchid Type: Some orchids, like Phalaenopsis, prefer bark-based mediums, while others, such as Oncidium, may do well with sphagnum moss. Knowing your orchid’s preferences can make a big difference to its growth.

Mistake 5: Neglecting to Repot

While some houseplants can thrive in the same pot for years, orchids need to be repotted every 1-2 years to maintain healthy roots and prevent nutrient depletion. Repotting allows you to refresh the potting medium, which can break down and lose its structure over time, potentially suffocating the roots.

Repotting Tips:

• Choose the Right Time: Orchids are best repotted after they finish blooming or during active root growth.
• Be Gentle with the Roots: Remove the orchid carefully, trim any dead or decaying roots, and avoid damaging healthy roots. Place the orchid in a slightly larger pot, filling it with fresh orchid medium.
• Check for Pests and Diseases: Repotting is a good time to inspect your orchid for any signs of pests or disease, which can be easier to treat early on.

Trust BB Orchids for Premium Orchids

Growing orchids indoors can be a rewarding experience, especially with the right care. However, avoiding these common mistakes is key to keeping your orchids healthy and beautiful year-round. 

BB Orchids, a premier orchid nursery in Thailand, offers an extensive selection of high-quality Thai orchids cultivated with meticulous care to meet any commercial needs. 

As a trusted nursery, exporter, and supplier, BB Orchids ships worldwide. We offer premium orchid varieties such as Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and more for wholesale or custom bulk orders. We promise efficient, easy and reliable ordering and shipping at competitive prices. 

Contact us today to learn more about how BB Orchids can support your business.