11 Things to Do Immediately When You Bring Home a New Orchid

Orchids make wonderful houseplants and can last for over 15 years. There are over 26,000 known species, making it one of the largest families of flowering plants. 

Some species are terrestrial, while others are epiphytic (growing on plants) or lithophytic (growing on rocks). They come in diverse shapes, sizes, and fragrances. The lily-of-the-valley is compact and sweet-smelling, while the massive Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis smells like rotten cabbage. 

Fortunately, these unique houseplants are relatively easy to care for, compact, and pleasantly fragrant. When you buy an orchid, there are a few steps to encouraging colorful and vigorous blooms. Below are 11 things to do when you bring home a new orchid. 

Pick the Right Container

Some orchids like growing in soil, while others prefer rocks or other plants. The species you buy determines which type of pot works best. The wrong container can end up stressing your flower, keeping it unhealthy. 

Most orchid houseplants are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants. They feed on plant debris and take in moisture from the air. Other common orchids include terrestrial orchids that grow in soil and lithophytic plants that thrive on rocks. 

Once you determine which type of plant you have, it’s time to choose your container. Make sure your pot has plenty of drainage holes. The best orchid pots are made from terracotta or plastic, although they are less beautiful. 

Another possibility is a mount. Use a piece of untreated wood or a mounting to affix your orchid and simulate the environment it would have in its native habitat. Note that mounts require more frequent watering and care. This method is best for Cattleya and Oncidium species.

Find the Right Soil

For epiphytes, bark-based soils work incredibly well. They keep the roots exposed to the air and allow water to drain quickly. They won’t become soggy and are easy to keep moist. 

After you bring home a new orchid and choosing the right container, fill it with soil. Use a mixture of tree bark, moss, coconut husk, and perlite to get the right consistency. 

You can always buy a special orchid mix online. These prepared soils are made for orchids. Once you have your soil, your plant is ready to be planted in its new home. 

Prepare your Orchid

Once your orchid is done blooming for the first time since you brought it home, it’s time to plant your new houseplant! Start by carefully preparing your orchid for replanting. Take it out of its old container, making sure there’s no bark or soil attached to its roots. 

After you remove all the old medium, look at the roots to see if they’re healthy. Cut off any damaged or diseased roots with disinfected pruning shears. Leave the healthy roots behind. 

If you notice a lot of damaged roots, or worse, infections, it could be a sign your flower isn’t healthy. You may be able to get it to liven up over time, but it’s best to start with a healthy plant. 

Plant Your Flower in it’s New Container

Now that your orchid is ready for its new home, add your special orchid potting mix. Carefully place your orchid inside its new container.  

Look for any gaps and spaces between your plant and the medium. Fill them with bark or perlite. Once all the spaces are filled, it should be standing tall and secure.  

Your orchid will initially feel some stress from being repotted but will quickly thrive if you plant it while it’s actively growing. Most store-bought plants have been in their pot for a long time and are ready for a new home after their first bloom. 

Mounted orchids can be affixed to their piece of wood at this time, too. Place some damp moss on the wood, and ensure the orchid is set so it can grow similarly to how it would in the wild. Then, affix it to the wood with fishing line or florist wire.

Create a Feeding Schedule

Start a feeding schedule for your orchids after you bring them home and transplant them into their new containers. Choose a specific fertilizer made for orchids. The best fertilizers are made specifically for these plants.

Fertilize at half-strength. Immediately water them after fertilizing to prevent mineral buildup on the roots. Feed them once a week, but be careful not to go overboard. Overfertilization leads to leaf damage and other issues. 

Start Watering the Right Way

Whether they’ve had them for years or they’re just bringing them home, most gardeners overwater their orchids. Try to get into the habit of watering sparingly. Phalaenopsis orchids like moth orchids store water in their pseudobulbs. In the wild, this keeps them hydrated if they experience droughts. 

It’s best to underwater your flower to avoid waterlogging. This can lead to root rot, which is one of the most common reasons these delicate flowers die early on. 

Water once every week or two. You want the roots and the medium completely soaked. If you’re growing a less common terrestrial orchid, it will need a more frequent watering schedule. The same goes for mounted orchids.

Move to the Right Location

These flowers are notoriously picky with their environment. When you bring home your new plant, one of the first things you want to do is find an ideal location for it. What you’re looking for is a spot in your house with the right amount of light. 

Light determines the intensity of your blooms. For most species, bright, indirect light is best. Others prefer more direct light or sometimes more shade. Find out which species you’re growing and determine which area satisfies its light requirements the best. 

Once you know where your plant will grow best, carefully move it to its new location. If you think your flower isn’t getting enough light or needs less, you can always move it. 

Provide Secure Support

There’s nothing more unfortunate than a brand-new orchid toppling to the ground. This is why it’s important to keep it secure. 

Keep your flower on a stable surface. If pets or kids are nearby, keep its container attached to the table or shelf with adhesive. Hanging containers also work well for keeping your flower off the ground or on an unstable surface. Mounts can be hung almost anywhere with bright, indirect lighting.

The most delicate part of your plant is its flower stems. Some gardeners carefully insert stakes into the container to secure the stems in place. This can come in handy if you get heavy blooms, which can make the plant topple over.  

Check the Temperature

Most species commonly grown as houseplants are from the tropics. They can’t tolerate cold temperatures, as anything under 50°F (10°C) can kill them. 

After finding the ideal location for your flower, make sure your home is set for stable temperatures. Check if your flower is near a window or vent. These spaces can have extreme temperature changes, which will stress it and cause damage.

Some orchids come from cooler regions and need cooler temperatures to flower. As with all aspects of orchid care, check which species you’re growing. You’ll need to tailor your indoor temperature to the specific needs of that species or cultivar. 

Keep the Humidity High

Most of these plants grow in high-humidity environments. This means that your indoor space should be nice and moist. Tropical plants need even higher humidity and may experience stunted growth if it’s too dry. Epiphytic species draw in moisture from the air, so growing in dry spaces is not an option. 

Most species will thrive in humidity levels above 50%. Try aiming for 70% for the best growth. If you have one, a hygrometer is a great tool for checking humidity levels.

If you notice the moisture in the air is too low, there are several things you can try. Misting your plant or keeping a dish of water near it works great. Or, plug in a humidifier to speed up the process. 

Provide Consistent Care

After getting your new houseplant situated, it’s important to stick to a consistent care schedule. Monitor your plant for pests and diseases, and water and fertilize frequently. 

Some gardeners create a schedule for watering and fertilizing. This makes it easier to stay on top of your flower’s needs and prevents you from over-watering or feeding. 

With a solid schedule, you’ll keep up with care and prevent issues ahead of time. If you have multiple plants, it’s even more important to be organized and timely.