Orchids are a plant that can last forever if cared for properly, but many people are hesitant to try their hands at them. They thrive in the tropics, and grow in unique fashion. Known as epiphytes, most varieties grow and thrive living on another plant! They survive off the plant’s moisture and organic matter, yet aren’t parasitic, so it seems to make all parties involved happy!

But what are the best ways for us to make them happy in our homes? Recently, a number of listeners have sent me pictures of their orchids, displaying lush, green leaves, but with that dead stem sticking straight out the top asking “is my orchid dead?” The good news is no, no they’re not!

The plant will not rebloom from that old stem, so first off, cut that down (cut away any brown and crunchy air roots too). Secondly, many agree that orchids almost thrive off of neglect. For worriers like us, that means resisting the urge to water them too often. Some subscribe to the ice cube method of watering, where you leave an ice cube or two on top of the bark and let it melt. I have found success in submerging the pot in water for 30 minutes to an hour, letting it drain well, and then not watering again for 2-3 weeks.

And what about feeding?? Fertilizer and adequate sunlight are the most important factors in whether or not an orchid will rebloom. Invest in some orchid fertilizer. What I do is go ahead and mix the right ratio of fertilizer to water and keep it in a half-gallon milk jug beneath my kitchen sink… that way it’s ready to go! Water ahead of each feeding, that way you minimize the risk of burning the plant.

Now here’s something I just found out that surprised me a bit! According to the American Orchid Society, “Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. The lush, rich, dark green of most houseplants is not desirable in orchid leaves. A grassy green color (light or medium green with yellowish tones) means the plant is receiving sufficient light to bloom.” And another tidbit that came from listener Gerald- he says that he brings his orchids outside during the warm months and leaves them under a shade tree. There, they get just what they need, and they happily rebloom for him! I’m certainly trying that this summer!

©2022 Cox Media Group