Mother’s Day Orchid Care
With brilliant colors and fascinating shapes, orchids have become favorite gifts for Mother’s Day. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb; most orchids don’t deserve their finicky reputations. A few care basics can help you enjoy your tropical flowers for a long time.
To get the most out of your gift, check these helpful care tips:
- Identify your orchid to better understand its light, temperature, and water needs. You don’t need to find its exact name, just its orchid family. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular (shown in the three photos above.) Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, and Paphs are also favorites.
- If you cannot identify your orchid, use these general care tips.
- To water, soak roots and potting material thoroughly. Let the excess drain out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Don’t allow the pot to sit in water for more than a few hours, or the roots may rot.
- When you water, remove ribbons, wrapping paper, or decorative containers if they block drainage holes.
- All orchids need high humidity and good air movement. Dry, stagnant air can cause blooms to wilt.
- As cut flowers, orchids don’t need any special care. Keep out of direct sun, and change their water every couple days to keep blossoms fresh.
- Browse AboutOrchids for more growing tips, FAQ, and beautiful photos. Enjoying orchids has never been easier.
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