Orchid care

Epiphytic or terrestrial?

To be able to bring them the appropriate care, it’s very important to first understand who they are. Orchids originally come from a tropical environment with a lot of moist, lights but not direct sun. There are 2 families of orchids: epiphytic or terrestrial.

Epiphytic orchids live on tree or branch growing from other plants. Unlike parasites, they don’t gain any food or any nutriment from the tree on which they grow. Their main characteristic is the air roots that grow unattached and dry out in between periods of rain. They need an open medium with a good aeration and drainage. Cattleya, vanda, phalaenopsis and dendrobium are epiphytic

Terrestrial orchids live on the ground in a water retentive humus or rotting wood and leaves. To grow in the best condition they need a constantly moist, but not soggy soil. Cymbidium, miltonia, paphiopedilum are terrestrial.

Appropriate quantity of water
Just like some orchids may be killed by being planted in soil when they are not a terrestrial type orchid, giving too much water to some others may sign their death warrant! Indeed many people still do the mistake that as these plants are native from tropical rainforests they need watering several times a week. Depending on the type of the orchid and the season, if the plant is in active growth or not, the quantity & frequency should be different, from 5 to 12 days in average. Don’t forget also that orchids hate draughts and always need a good humidity, about 50 to 70%, especially indoor orchids. That’s one of the reason why phalaenopsis are so beautiful when placed in bathroom for example!

To make it clearer and help you to enjoy them longer here are our simple recommendations:

Orchids that need evenly moist (not wet) at all times

• Paphiopedilum
• Miltonia
• Cymbidium
• Dontoglossum

Orchids that need evenly moist during active growth, but let them dry out between waterings when they are not

• Cattleya
• Oncidium
• Brassia
• Dendrobium

Orchids that you need to keep almost dry between waterings

• Phalaenopsis
• Vanda
• Ascocenda

As a general advise, take care to avoid wetting the leaves when you water your orchid. If they do get wet, simple dry them with a gentle tissue or a cotton swab. Never let water stagnate in the pot otherwise roots will rot. Avoid direct sunlight, your orchid will enjoy light behind a curtain or window blinds. Never, ever cut the air roots off, even if some people may don’t like the look, these grey curling roots are vital for your orchid! Unless you are an orchid expert, we also recommend not to remove your orchid from the plastic pot. You can also use a specific orchid flower food once a month but it’s very important not to overfeed your plant which can damage it. Better less than more! After the last flowers drop, trim the stem all the way down, just above the very lowest node and cut diagonally. This will help to stimulate the growth of potential new flower stem and if you continue to take care of your orchid, it may rebloom!

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