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Orchid Care
First things first, remove your orchid from the outer cardboard box and remove the protective wrapping and sleeve from your orchid. 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.
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.
As a guide, water your Phalaenopsis orchid around once a week, although it can often go a little longer. The best way is to remove the nursery pot and dunk it into a sink or bowl of water for a few minutes, allowing the roots to absorb what they need. Alternatively, run the pot under the tap for around 20 seconds, then allow it to drain thoroughly.
Tap water is absolutely fine. Just don't leave your orchid standing in water for long periods, as continually wet roots can begin to rot.
Not sure if it needs watering? Take a look at the roots. Green roots are well hydrated; silvery-grey roots usually mean it's time for a drink. You can also feel the weight of the pot – as the bark dries, it will become noticeably lighter.
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.
Want to know more? Read our How Often Should You Water an Orchid?guide.
Your Phalaenopsis orchid doesn't need much feeding and can grow happily without fertiliser. If you'd like to give it an extra boost, feed around once every four weeks using a specialist orchid feed, following the instructions on the label.
Orchids have relatively low nutritional needs, so avoid overfeeding – too much fertiliser can damage their sensitive roots. Feeding is most beneficial while your orchid is actively growing, producing new leaves and roots.
Did you know? If you don't have a dedicated orchid feed, a high-potash fertiliser such as Tomorite can be used, diluted to a quarter of the recommended strength.
Roots growing out of the pot? Don't worry – these are aerial roots and are completely normal. Healthy roots should generally be firm and green when hydrated or silvery-grey when dry. Dry, shrivelled roots protruding from the bark can be cut off without harming the plant.
Brown, mushy roots can be a sign of root rot, often associated with excess moisture.
Want to know more? Learn what your orchid's roots can tell you about watering and the health of your plant. Learn more about your orchid's roots →
Phalaenopsis orchids are wonderfully long flowering, with blooms that can last for several weeks or even months. Individual flowers will naturally fade and drop over time, usually starting with the oldest blooms first.
If your orchid arrives with unopened buds, don't worry – these should gradually open, extending the flowering display.
Did you know? It’s completely normal for an orchid to have flowers at different stages, with some fading while new buds are still opening.
Wondering how long the flowers will last? Discover what to expect from your orchid's blooms and how to enjoy them for longer. How long do orchid flowers last →
When the flowers eventually fade, don't throw your orchid away – it isn't dead. It's entering the next stage of its growing cycle and, with continued care, can flower again.
If the flower spike remains green, it can be trimmed above a node. If it has turned completely brown and dry, cut it back near the base.
You should repot your orchid every 1-2 years, or earlier if the bark has begun to compost down or the roots are crowded and pushing out of the 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.
Not sure if it's time to repot?Learn the signs to look for and when it's best to give your orchid a fresh start. Read our step-by-step repotting advice →
Even with the best care, orchids can sometimes do unexpected things.
Find answers to the questions our growers are asked most often, from dropping flowers and yellow leaves to unusual-looking roots.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we're here to help- just ask our Growers.
Take a look at the roots in the pot. Green roots mean your orchid is well hydrated, while silvery-grey roots usually mean it's ready for a drink. The bark should also be almost dry before you water again.
Most Phalaenopsis orchids need watering around once a week, but this can vary depending on the temperature and conditions in your home. If in doubt, it's better to wait a little longer as overwatering is one of the most common causes of problems with orchids.
Always allow any excess water to drain away and never leave your orchid standing in water.
This is usually nothing to worry about and most often means your orchid is thirsty.
Immerse the whole pot in water for 20–30 seconds, then allow it to drain fully before returning it to its decorative pot. Your orchid should never be left sitting in water.
While you're checking your orchid, take a look at the roots through the clear nursery pot. Healthy roots are firm and green (or silvery-grey when dry). Brown, soft or mushy roots can indicate overwatering.
If your orchid doesn't improve after watering, send us a photograph and we'll be happy to help.
Flower drop is a natural part of your orchid's flowering cycle.
As the older flowers finish, they will naturally fall from the flower spike. With the right care, your orchid can flower again.
If your orchid has finished flowering unusually quickly (within one month of delivery), please contact us as it may be covered by our One Month Guarantee.
This is known as bud blast and is usually caused by a sudden change in temperature or environment.
Common causes include:
Once your orchid has settled into its new surroundings, future flower spikes should develop normally.
It's perfectly normal for the oldest leaf, usually the lowest one, to turn yellow and eventually fall away as part of the orchid's natural growth.
If several leaves are turning yellow at once, it could indicate overwatering, underwatering or unsuitable growing conditions.
These are called aerial roots and they're completely normal.
Unlike the roots inside the pot, aerial roots absorb moisture from the air and help support the plant.
There's no need to trim them unless they've completely died.
Healthy roots are:
Roots that are brown, soft or mushy usually indicate too much water.
Learn how your orchid's roots can tell you when to water →How Often Should You Water an Orchid?
Once all the flowers have finished, you can either:
Most orchids don't need repotting immediately after purchase.
They usually benefit from being repotted every 1–2 years, or when the bark compost begins to break down.
Brown, soft or mushy roots are usually a sign of root rot, most commonly caused by too much water. Orchid roots need air as well as moisture, so sitting in water or constantly wet bark can cause the roots to rot.
Allow the orchid to dry out before watering again and make sure any excess water can drain freely. Rotten roots can be carefully removed with clean scissors. If several roots are affected, once trimmed your orchid may benefit from being repotted into fresh orchid potting mix.
Healthy roots should feel firm and will usually appear green when hydrated or silvery-grey when dry.
Find out more about unhealthy roots and overwatering →Orchid Leaves – Signs That Something's Wrong
Every orchid is different, and sometimes it's easier for our growers to diagnose a problem by seeing it.
If you can't find the answer above, we'd be happy to help. Simply email hello@loveorchids.co.uk with:
- A photograph of your orchid
- A brief description of the problem
- Your order number (if your orchid was purchased from Love Orchids)
Our growers will be happy to offer advice and help you get your orchid back to its best.
If your enquiry relates to a Love Orchids order and your orchid hasn't met our quality standards, we'll also help under our One Month Guarantee.
