How do I care for indoor orchids?

Give your home a bit of a posh hotel vibe with a gorgeous indoor orchid! Think moth orchids (those dramatic beauties!) or those classy cymbidiums. These exotic flowers need some special care, but get it right, and they'll keep blooming for ages. We're talking bright but not blazing light, fancy potting mix that drains well, regular watering without getting soggy, steady temperatures, a mist now and then, and a bit of plant food to keep them pampered. Snip off old flowers, and you'll see more of those stunning blooms popping up.

Orchids might seem intimidating, but the truth is many varieties are remarkably adaptable. With a little understanding of their needs, you can enjoy those stunning blooms year after year! Gorgeous Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis), the striking Cymbidium Orchids (like that amazing green Mint Source variety)... let's dive into the simple things that make these plants happy:

Orchid Care: The Basics

• Light: Think filtered sunshine! A bright east-facing window is perfect. If you're stuck with a south-facing spot, place your orchid a few feet back to avoid scorching those delicate leaves. Limited natural light? Grow lights work wonders!
• Forget Regular Potting Soil: Orchids NEED excellent drainage to keep their roots healthy. Look for mixes with bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss – it should feel loose and airy, not dense and clumpy.
• Watering: Your #1 orchid killer is overwatering! Wait until that special mix is almost completely dry, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain away. Avoid letting it sit in a soggy saucer – root rot is BAD news.
• Humidity Boost: Most orchids crave more moisture in the air than the average UK home provides. Pebble trays, regular misting (avoiding the flowers!), or a nearby humidifier will keep your plant smiling.
• Comfy (Not Extreme) Temps: Orchids love average room temperatures, with a little cooler at night if possible. Avoid drafty areas or blasting air vents that cause sudden temperature swings.
• Feeding Time: A weak dose of balanced orchid fertiliser every couple of weeks during active growth keeps 'em blooming. Ease up in colder months when growth slows.
• Snip Snip for More Blooms: Once those gorgeous flowers fade, cut back the stems to encourage another stunning show.

Orchid Newbie? Here's Some Extra Tips

• Repotting: Only do this when absolutely necessary! Orchids like a snug pot, and repotting too often can stress them out.
• Don't Panic Over Yellowing Leaves: It's normal for orchids to lose a few older leaves now and then. But if lots turn yellow suddenly, that's a sign something's wrong (usually overwatering!).
• Patience is Key: Orchids aren't the fastest growers, so don't get discouraged if it takes a while for new leaves or flower spikes to show up. Just keep up those good care habits!

Your Orchid BFFs: Houseplant.co.uk

We want orchids to be a fun addition to your home, not a source of stress! We hand-select the highest quality orchid plants, and pack them with eco-friendly materials for safe, quick delivery.

But it doesn't end there – our plant-obsessed team is your support crew for all things orchid. Need help choosing the perfect variety for your space? Got your orchid settled in and have a question? We're here to make your orchid journey a blooming success!