How to care for orchids

Light and position

Phalaenopsis, the moth orchid, is the one most often given as a gift. It grows on trees in the wild, in bright but filtered light, and a spot near an east- or south-facing window with a sheer curtain suits it well in Melbourne. Direct afternoon sun burns the leaves; a dark corner stops it flowering.

Keep it away from heaters, air conditioning vents and open doorways. Cold draughts in winter are a common reason for buds dropping before they open.

Watering

More orchids are lost to overwatering than anything else. The roots need to dry slightly between waterings, and they will rot if the pot stays wet.

• Water about once a week, a little less in winter. The roots turn silvery-green when they need water and plump and green after a drink.
• Water the potting mix, not the crown of leaves in the centre. Water that sits in the crown can rot the plant.
• Let the water drain completely before putting the orchid back in its decorative pot, and never leave it standing in a saucer of water.
• Use room-temperature water.

After the flowers fall

A phalaenopsis can flower for two or three months, and then the blooms drop. That is normal, and the plant is not dying. Look at the flower spike: if it is still green, cut it just above the second node from the base (the small bump on the stem) and the orchid may send out a new branch. If the spike has gone brown, cut it off near the base.

Keep watering and giving it light while it rests. Flowering again usually follows a few months of cooler nights.

Orchids in a gift box or arrangement

Orchids in a floral arrangement are cut stems rather than a living plant. Treat them as you would any cut flower: keep the arrangement cool and out of direct sun, and top up water or keep the foam damp if the stems sit in it. If you are not sure how your arrangement is built, ring the shop on the number on our contact page and we will tell you.