Get to Know Your Orchid Well
As surprising as it may seem, the orchid family includes no fewer than 22,000 species! That number grows every year, making it the largest family of flowering plants.
To ensure you can provide them with the proper care, we encourage you, first and foremost, to get to know your plant well.
There are two main families of orchids: epiphytic orchids and terrestrial orchids.
Epiphytic orchids live on trees or the branches of other plants. Unlike parasites, they do not draw any food or nutrients from the tree on which they grow. Their main characteristic is that they have aerial roots that grow freely and dry out between rainy periods. They require an open environment with good air circulation and drainage.
Cattleya, Vanda, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobium are epiphytic orchids.
Terrestrial orchids bloom directly on the ground, in water-retaining humus or in decaying wood and leaves. To grow under optimal conditions, they need soil that is constantly moist but not waterlogged.
Cymbidiums, miltonias, and paphiopedilums are terrestrial orchids.
I find my orchids
Watering suited to the orchid variety
At first glance, one might think that these plants, which are native to tropical forests, need to be watered several times a week.
Depending on the type of orchid and the season—and whether the plant is actively growing or not—the amount and frequency of watering should be adjusted.
Note thatsummer remains the best time of year for orchids to grow—so this is when they need the most water.
Also keep in mind that orchids hate drafts and prefer humid environments. This is one of the reasons why Phalaenopsis orchids thrive when placed in a bathroom, for example. To give you a clearer picture and help you enjoy them longer, here are a few practical tips.
Orchids that need constant humidity:
- Paphiopedilum
- Miltonia
- Cymbidium
- Dontoglossum
Orchids that need constant moisture during active growth but can dry out between waterings when they are not growing:
- Cattleya
- Oncidium
- Brassia
- Dendrobium
Orchids that should remain almost dry between waterings:
- Phalaenopsis
- Vanda
- Ascocenda
As a general rule, be careful not to get the leaves wet when watering your orchid. If they do get wet, simply dry them off with a tissue or a cotton swab. Never let water sit in the pot, as this can cause the roots to rot. Let your plant drain before placing it back on its stand.
Light: The Key to Successful Flowering
Orchids are native to a humid tropical environment that receives plenty of light but no direct sunlight.
Various factors can trigger flowering in orchids—but whether an orchid blooms depends primarily on the amount of light it receives.
Avoid direct sunlight; your orchid will appreciate the light it receives from behind a curtain or window shades.
Although light requirements vary significantly by species, keep in mind that orchid foliage should be a light yellow-green rather than a lush grass-green. In addition, the leaves of your plants should be firm and stand upright.
Garden Secrets: Give Your Orchid a Second Life
You've enjoyed your orchid for several months—now the flowers are wilting and falling off. It's time to cut the plant's stem so it can regenerate and prepare to bloom again.
To prune your orchid, start by disinfecting your scissors or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of disease. Wait until all the flowers have wilted before pruning.
For Phalaenopsis orchids, cut the stem just above a node below the first wilted flower to encourage new growth, or cut the entire stem at the base. Also remove any yellow or damaged leaves, as well as any rotten or dry roots.
Never cut the aerial roots—those gray, twining roots are vital to your orchid!
Unless you're an orchid expert, we also recommend that you don't remove your orchid from its plastic pot.
Boost your orchid's growth with natural fertilizers
To promote the natural growth of your orchid, you can use organic fertilizers such as coffee grounds and wood ash, which contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Add them when you water your plant.
Be careful, however, not to over-fertilize your plant, as this could damage it.
Sessile.fr's Guide to Caring for Orchids
In recent years, orchids have taken pride of place on the displays of artisanal florists and on supermarket shelves.
To meet demand, the orchid market has gradually evolved along two distinct paths: on the one hand, industrially produced orchids; on the other, those carefully selected by passionate artisan florists.
Not surprisingly, the price of an orchid depends directly on how it is produced and grown.
Although it may be tempting to buy a cheap orchid at a big-box store, keep in mind that the growth of these plants has been “accelerated” so they can be sold more quickly. Even with the best care, their lifespan is generally short.
To get the most out of your orchid, take advantage of the expertise and advice of your artisan florist from the Sessile.fr network!
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
