Orchids are stunning additions to any space, but bringing one home requires a little know-how to ensure it thrives. Many new orchid owners feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, wondering if orchids are high-maintenance or delicate.
Helena Rame, a seasoned orchid mom shared a practical guide on handling new orchids from phalaenopsis to vandas.
“Not all orchid owners buy with the same intention. Some want a long-lasting decorative display, while others seek a more permanent addition to their plant family. A woman once told me she buys Phalaenopsis orchids for her reception area to save money compared to fresh flowers because orchids can last several weeks in bloom,” Ms Rame said.
Rule number one: keep the label
Ms Rame’s top advice to new orchid owners is straightforward: “Keep your label. Orchids come in thousands of species and even more hybrids, each with unique care requirements. The specific name helps you narrow down how to care for it. For instance, if you know you’ve bought a Phalaenopsis hybrid, you’ll get a much clearer response by searching that instead of just ‘orchid care,’” she explains.
Don’t panic and keep it simple
New orchid owners often overcomplicate things, worrying that their orchid needs exotic care methods. Ms Rame dispels this myth, saying, “Orchids are just plants that need normal plant care.”
She notes that myths abound, like the idea that orchids need diluted urine or special water, but that’s far from the truth. In reality, they need regular watering, sufficient light, and occasional grooming.
Orchids have varying needs depending on their genus and natural habitat. Many, like Phalaenopsis and Oncidiums, are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants in nature. They don’t need soil and can be potted in bark or other airy materials.
Helena emphasised that recognising whether your orchid is epiphytic or terrestrial helps determine its care.
“For example, Vandas need frequent watering and misting due to their exposed roots. If you have a Vanda, hang it in a bright area of your garden or indoors by a sunny window.”
Allura Princess Orchid pictured at an exhibition stand during Orchids in Cinema event at Sarit Centre in Nairobi on October 24, 2024.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Cymbidiums, on the other hand, do best outdoors with access to wind and sunlight, but they struggle indoors after their initial bloom.
Inspect the potting medium and water your orchid properly
When you bring your orchid home, check the potting medium. If it’s fresh and stable, there’s no need to repot immediately. “This bark looks fresh; it’s not rotten, and it’s filling the pot nicely,” Helena says, explaining what to look for in a healthy medium. Water the orchid thoroughly, letting water run through the pot, and then place it in a decorative pot without pooling water at the bottom.
For Phalaenopsis and other standard orchids, a twice-weekly watering schedule is usually enough. If in doubt, Helena suggests simply touching the bark to feel if it’s still moist or dry. “Over time, you’ll get a feel for it,” she says, encouraging beginners not to stress about getting it exactly right.
Placement: Light, shade and humidity
Light and humidity are crucial to orchid health, so choose a location that meets these needs. For most orchids, direct sunlight is too harsh, but indirect light or shade suits them well.
Helena suggests placing them in a bathroom where humidity is higher, especially if you’re leaving town for a couple of weeks. “In our climate, your orchid will be fine for two weeks in a shaded, slightly humid spot like the bathroom,” she assures.
Tips on repotting your orchid by Arjun Wadhwa and Rajul Patel
Repotting an orchid can seem daunting to beginners and seasoned growers alike, but with guidance, it’s a process that can rejuvenate your plant and encourage healthier growth.
Recognising when your Orchid needs repotting
Knowing when to repot is the first step. "You only repot a plant when you see active growth," Ms Patel noted, emphasising the importance of timing. She said, “When you see new roots starting to come out, that’s your time to repot.”
This timing is essential, as repotting during inactive periods can shock the plant, leading to a slower recovery or health issues.
Signs your orchid may need repotting include visible root growth outside the pot, overcrowding or if the plant appears to outgrow its pot.
Mr Wadhwa highlighted, “This is a plant that’s screaming, ‘I’m ready to repot,’ because it’s grown out of the pot," he said of the cattleya that they were set to repot as part of the demonstration.
Choosing the right pot and medium
Pot selection is crucial, as different types impact moisture retention and airflow. “Water-loving, more pot-like; less water-loving, more basket-like,” Ms Patel explained, adding that your pot choice should be based on your watering habits and the plant’s needs.
Covered pots retain more moisture, making them ideal if you prefer less frequent watering, while baskets are suitable for plants that thrive with higher airflow.
Orchids also require a snug pot for optimal growth. As Ms Patel noted humorously, “With orchids, don’t put them in ‘bigger clothes’ like we do with children. They like it much smaller, they like it tighter.” A smaller pot reduces the risk of overwatering and root rot by allowing better drainage.
For the medium, a blend of bark and pumice works well, but the ratio depends on your watering frequency. “If you water less, you can use something finer; if you water more, go with chunkier bark pieces,” Ms Patel recommended.
Bark provides structure, while pumice aids in drainage, creating a balanced environment for healthy root development.
Preparing the orchid for repotting
When it’s time to repot, start by loosening the plant gently from its container. “If it was a clay pot, I would have just broken it and used the clay as the base in the new pot,” Ms Patel explained during the practical guide.
Remove any old sphagnum moss, as it can become acidic over time and harm the plant. Old sphagnum moss sitting in your plant goes acidic and then starts killing your plant," Mr Wadhwa advised. Pre-soaking the roots for an hour or two can also make them more pliable and easier to work with.
Potting technique for stability and growth
Positioning your orchid properly in its new pot promotes growth. “Orient the growth direction of your pot towards the centre of the pot to allow for future expansion.”
Stabilising the orchid is key, as it prevents root damage from wobbling. “It’s like us moving house; until they’re settled, it’s quite alien to them,” Ms Patel explained while pressing the orchid down to secure the plant.
“Adding larger pieces of bark or using stakes can help keep the orchid firmly in place, especially if wind or movement might disturb it,” she adds.
Watering and feeding tips for a healthy orchid
Watering and feeding play a significant role in an orchid’s health after repotting. Mr Wadhwa advised tailoring watering frequency to your pot and medium, explaining that “overwatering or inconsistent watering can harm roots.” Baskets might need more frequent watering, while covered pots retain moisture longer.
Feeding is also essential but should be balanced. “When you feed your plant, you’re giving it extra salts. How often you water determines how often you feed. Frequent watering requires more frequent feeding, while less frequent watering should be paired with spaced-out feeding to prevent salt buildup in the pot,” Ms Patel explains.
Patience, careful timing, and the right potting technique go a long way in supporting your orchid’s health and bloom potential.
Growing orchids is not just taking a beautiful plant home; it needs a little bit of reading and understanding. Orchids are more resilient than most people think, but they require patience and observation to understand their needs. As Helena puts it, “Growing orchids isn’t just about taking a beautiful plant home; it’s about learning and experimenting.”
