EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT
Orchid Care
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR ORCHID ARRIVES
First things first, remove your orchid from the outer cardboard box and remove the plastic protective wrapping and sleeve from your orchid. Dispose of plastic and cardboard, in accordance with your local council rules. Don’t leave your orchid still in its cardboard box or plastic film for more than a day, give them the fresh air they deserve as soon as you can!
Did you know? Our orchids are grown right here in the UK so your new plant is helping people enjoy plants without a huge CO2 transport footprint from importing from Europe or further afield.
ROOTS & FEEDING
Dry, shrivelled roots protruding from the bark can be cut off without harming the plant (although doing so may hinder its development). If you think these aerial roots are unsightly, you can also repot your orchid — scroll down to find our repotting guide. Though your Phalaenopsis orchid will survive without fertiliser, we recommend feeding it once every four weeks. Don’t be alarmed if lots of roots start growing out of the top of the pot — this is perfectly natural
Did you know? If you don’t have dedicated orchid feed, a high-potash fertiliser like Tomorite will do the trick. Just be sure to dilute it to a quarter of what it says on the label
PLACEMENT
Position your orchid in a bright room or on a windowsill, but one that does not receive direct sunlight. Don’t place the plant near a radiator or a draught.
Did you know? Phalaenopsis orchids are sensitive to the ethylene gas produced by ripening fruit. If you place your plant too near a fruit bowl, it may drop all of its flowers.
WATERING
You should water your Phalaenopsis orchid once a week. The best way to do so is to dunk the whole pot into a sink or bowl of water. If you have time, leave the pot submerged for a few minutes — this will allow the root system to absorb all the water it needs. Alternatively, run the pot under a tap for around 20 seconds, allowing water to drain through the bottom. You’re fine to use tap water, even if you live in an area with very hard water — Phalaenopsis orchids are extremely versatile and will adapt to any water source. Don’t leave the roots standing in water for long periods of time, as they will most likely rot
Did you know? If you can’t remove your plant from its decorative container, you can keep it watered by placing one or two ice cubes at the base of its stem once a week
RE-FLOWERING
When your orchid drops its flowers, you can cut back the stem. It doesn’t matter what height — generally speaking, lower down means a larger bloom but longer to develop. Cut back when there’s at least one flower left, so the stem is active. If it’s already dried out, cut near the base of the plant. For a ‘quick fix,’ cut above the node below the last, lowest branch or flower for fast development.
RE-POTTING
You should repot your orchid every 4-5 years, or earlier if the bark has begun to compost down. Otherwise, repotting isn’t necessary unless your plant is jumping out of its pot. It may take a week or two for a repotted plant to become stable, and don’t worry about gaps in the bark — orchid roots love air as much as they love water.
We want to ensure that all your questions are answered, here's everything you need to know from delivery to orchid care.
Ever wondered how your orchid is grown? How long does it take to grow an orchid?
Meet our Growers
Growers' Corner
Our growing team have been helping our houseplants thrive at our New Forest nursery for decades. That means they know pretty much everything there is to know about orchids. Any questions?
Join the Orchid Club
Sign up to get access to surplus plants as well as free care tips and tricks