The orchids we deliver around Sydney are phalaenopsis, often called moth orchids. They're one of the easiest flowering plants to keep indoors, and with a little care the flowers last for weeks and the plant can flower again. Here's what they need, and what to check if yours is struggling.
Phalaenopsis Orchid Care
Light
Bright, indirect light is best: near a window, but out of direct afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal. Healthy leaves are a mid to olive green. Very dark leaves usually mean too little light; yellowing or pale patches can mean too much.
Watering
Overwatering is the most common way orchids die. Water about once a week, less in winter, and only when the potting bark feels dry. Water the roots, not the crown where the leaves meet, and let all the water drain away. Never leave the pot sitting in water.
- Silvery roots mean it's time to water.
- Green roots mean it has enough.
- Brown, soft or mushy roots mean it's had too much.
Orchid in a glass vase? Glass has no drainage hole, so give it a little water at a time and tip out anything pooling in the bottom after 10 minutes. Our Premium Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant Gift is two to four orchid plants set in a glass vase, delivered across Sydney from our Northbridge studio.
Temperature and Humidity
Phalaenopsis like the same temperatures we do. Keep them away from heaters, air conditioning vents and cold draughts. A slightly cooler room at night in autumn can help the plant set a new flower spike.
Why Is My Orchid Dying?
- Flowers dropping after a few weeks. This is normal once the flowers have finished. The plant is resting, not dying.
- Buds dropping before they open. Usually a sudden change: a draught, a heater, a move to a much darker spot, or ripening fruit nearby.
- Yellow, soft lower leaves. Often overwatering or water sitting in the crown. Check the roots.
- Wrinkled, limp leaves. Either too little water, or roots that have rotted and can't take water up. The roots tell you which.
- Brown, crispy patches on the leaves. Sunburn. Move it back from the window.
After the Flowers Fall
Once the last flower drops, you can cut the spike back to just above a node (the small bumps along the stem) to encourage a side spike, or cut it at the base if the spike turns brown. Keep watering as usual. Many orchids flower again within a year.
Common Questions
Should I water my orchid with ice cubes?
We don't recommend it. A small, regular watering at room temperature that drains through the pot is gentler on the roots.
Does my orchid need repotting?
Only every year or two, when the bark has broken down or the roots are crowding out of the pot. Use orchid bark, not regular potting mix.
Do orchids make a good gift?
Yes. They last much longer than cut flowers and suit new homes, new babies, offices and sympathy. See our orchid delivery in Sydney, including the white potted orchid and the colour potted orchid. Prefer cut stems? Try our orchid bouquet, or for a cooler spot, a cymbidium orchid plant.
Keeping cut flowers going too? Read our guide to making flowers last longer.
