You just went to your local store and picked up a beautiful new orchid, now that you are home – you want to ensure that you give it a great life and encourage your blooms to last!  

It’s important to place your orchid in the right place in your home so it can thrive. Here are a few staple tips to help you take great care of your beautiful new plant.  

One of the first things to know is that your orchid, if cared for correctly, will stay in bloom for 8-12 weeks (about 3 months) when you bring it home (depending on how long it was in bloom at the store before you bought it!) That means your orchid will need plenty of care. 

When it comes to water, you don’t want to overwater, because that can lead to root rot. It’s better to underwater than overwater. On average, a 5-inch orchid needs water 1x per week, about 3 ice cubes or ¼ cup of water. Make sure you don’t place your ice cubes on the leaves of your orchid.  

As your orchid stays in bloom, you want to ensure the roots are healthy. Healthy roots are bright green and don’t need water quite yet. Silvery roots are still healthy, but they are now ready for water. Tan, white and shriveled roots are dehydrated, while dark brown, black or mushy roots are rotting! The leaves might also become withered if your orchid is not getting sufficient water. 

Orchids enjoy plenty of sunlight, just as long as it's not too bright. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, which leads to more issues. Placing your orchid in bright, but indirect sunlight is best. 

Excess indirect sunlight can cause phalaenopsis orchids to use their water faster, leading to dehydration over weeks if left unaddressed. A hot orchid is thirsty and will drink more water! Checking your orchid’s roots to see if your plant is getting enough water is a good practice to develop. 

Originally, orchids come from humid climates, so your orchid can handle a space with some humidity, just make sure to keep it away from any direct drafts.  

When the time comes that your orchid’s blooms fall off, don’t throw it out! It’s not dead.  

Continue to care for your orchid! The stem of your orchid will become dry and shriveled. The plant’s leaves may lose a bit of their perkiness, but if they become limp and flat that could be a sign of dehydration. All of this is normal. The plant is simply going through a natural period in its life cycle called the vegetative cycle. This stage allows your orchid to rest and renew its energy before blooming again into a profusion of gorgeous new blossoms. Make sure to continue to care for your orchid, even without its blooms! It still needs water, air and sun.  

Now, it’s time to be patient. It could take several months for your orchid to rebloom – even with proper care. So, take time to enjoy the nurturing of your plant and look forward to seeing those beautiful blooms in the future!