The Ultimate Orchid Care Guide (Yes, You Can Keep One Alive!)
If orchids have ever made you feel like a failed plant parent, you’re not alone. They have a reputation for being fussy, dramatic, and impossible to rebloom—but the truth is, orchids are actually pretty easy once you understand what they don’t want. Most orchid issues come from too much love, too much water, or the wrong expectations.
This guide breaks orchid care down simply, so you can enjoy those gorgeous blooms now—and get them to come back again.
First Things First: What Kind of Orchid Is This?
Most orchids you’ll find at Prairie Gardens (and in most homes) are Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids. These are the best orchids for beginners and the easiest to rebloom indoors.
If you’ve got long, arching stems with flat, glossy leaves at the base—you’ve got a Phalaenopsis.
Light: Bright, Indirect Is the Sweet Spot
Orchids love bright, indirect light, not direct sun. A bright room near an east- or north-facing window is perfect. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light means fewer (or no) blooms.
Pro tip: Healthy orchid leaves should be medium green—not dark forest green, and not yellow.
Watering: Less Often Than You Think
This is where most orchids meet their demise. Orchids hate sitting in water.
- Water about once every 7–10 days
- Let water run through the pot completely
- Never let the orchid sit in standing water
If your orchid is in a decorative pot, always remove it to water, then return it once fully drained.
Rule of thumb: When in doubt, wait another day.
Humidity: Helpful, Not Complicated
Orchids appreciate a little extra humidity, but you don’t need a greenhouse to make them happy.
Easy options:
- Place the pot on a tray with pebbles and water (pot stays above the waterline)
- Group orchids with other plants
- Light misting around the plant (not soaking the crown)
Most homes are perfectly fine—especially kitchens and bathrooms with good light.
Potting Mix: Orchids Are Not Houseplants
Orchids do not grow in regular potting soil. Their roots need air.
Use:
- Bark-based orchid mix
- Moss blends designed for orchids
Clear pots are great because you can see root health—healthy roots are firm and green or silvery.
Fertilizing: Light Feeding Goes a Long Way
Orchids don’t need much fertilizer, but a little helps.
- Use an orchid-specific fertilizer
- Feed every 2–4 weeks during active growth
- Skip fertilizer when the plant is resting
Think “snack,” not “full meal.”
What to Do When the Blooms Fall Off (Don’t Panic!)
This is totally normal. Orchid blooms don’t last forever, but the plant itself is still alive and well.
Once blooms fade:
- Keep caring for the leaves and roots
- Move the plant to bright, indirect light
- Be patient—this is the regrouping phase
Which brings us to…
How to Get Your Orchid to Rebloom
Yes, reblooming is possible—and you don’t need magic.
Step 1: Give It Good Light
Bright, indirect light is the #1 factor for reblooming. Without enough light, orchids won’t set flower spikes.
Step 2: Try a Temperature Drop
Orchids often bloom after a small temperature change.
- Aim for cooler nights (about 10–15°F cooler than daytime)
- This usually happens naturally in fall near windows
Even a few weeks of cooler nights can trigger a new spike.
Step 3: Watch for the Spike
A new flower spike looks like a green stem with a pointed tip (not round like a root). Once you see it, don’t rotate the plant—let it grow toward the light.
Step 4: Be Patient
Reblooming can take weeks or even months. Totally normal. Totally worth it.
Common Orchid Mistakes (We’ve All Done These)
- Overwatering
- Letting water sit in the crown (center of leaves)
- Too little light
- Using regular potting soil
- Tossing the plant when blooms fall off
If your orchid still has healthy leaves, it’s not done yet.
Find Orchids & Orchid Care Help at Prairie Gardens
Orchids don’t have to be intimidating—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Prairie Gardens, you’ll find beautiful orchids, proper orchid potting mixes, fertilizers, and plant experts who are happy to help you troubleshoot or rebloom with confidence.
Prairie Gardens
3000 W. Springfield Avenue
Champaign, IL
Whether it’s your first orchid or your fifth rebloom, we’re here to help you grow.
