ASK MARTHA: CARING FOR ORCHIDS

ASK MARTHA:

Q: Hi, Martha. I just received an orchid plant as a gift. How should I care for it? 

A: To maintain a healthy orchid, it’s best to mimic its natural environment as much as possible. Orchids like temperatures close to those we like, but the air in your home may be too dry. There are a few ways to give an orchid a moist atmosphere. Keep it in a bathroom with a window (for sunlight), set it on a pebble tray partially filled with water, or group plants together to establish a mini ecosystem. 

While orchids thrive in moist air, be sure not to overwater them. There are more than 30,000 varieties, so research how frequently yours should be watered. Allow the plants to approach dryness before watering; then drench the potting medium with tepid rainwater or tap water. As the mixture dries out, the container will become lighter, indicating it's time to water again. Never leave your orchid bone-dry for long. As with watering, avoid overfeeding. After every third or fourth dousing, feed your plant an orchid fertilizer diluted with water, such as Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Orchid Food. 

Place the plant in ample diffuse sunlight, not in direct sunlight. East and south facing windows provide the best light. The leaves should be grassy green - excessive light will cause them to yellow; too much shade will slow growth. 

When the plant has outgrown its original pot, use a potting medium suited for orchids. You’ll need a fast-draining potting mix, typically made from a combination of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, tree-fern fiber, perlite, and charcoal.

MARTHA’S TIP 

After your orchid has flowered, repot the plant with a new batch of potting mixture every two to three years—or more often if your tap water has high levels of calcium. I like to use Miracle-Gro® Orchid Potting Mix Coarse Blend to help promote stronger roots and blooms.