Going on holiday this summer? Before you leave, water your orchids thoroughly so they have enough water for the first few days. After that, you can rely on a self-watering system for your orchids — and the best part is, you can easily make one yourself! Read on for the step-by-step guide.

 

How to make a self-watering system for orchids

Before you go away, water your orchids using the bathing method. Place the plant in a bowl of water for 5–10 minutes, allowing the roots to absorb the moisture. Let the orchid drain well before putting it back in its pot. This ensures your orchid will have enough water for the first few days, and afterwards, it can survive thanks to the self-watering system.

 

Necessities

To create a self-watering system for your orchid, you’ll need:

• A glass of water
• String
• Scissors
• Cocktail picker

 

Step-by-step guide

Cut a piece of string and tie a small loop in it. Using the cocktail picker, push the loop through a drainage hole at the bottom of the plant pot, and make sure it’s secure. Place the pot on top of the glass of water, making sure the end of the string hangs into the water. The string will slowly draw up water and deliver it to your orchid as needed.

Want to make it look even nicer? Place the glass of water inside a deep plant pot or vase and sit the orchid on top — that way, the glass stays hidden!

 

Watch the video tutorial here:

 

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Also read: How to care for your orchid in summer: 4 tips

During the summer heat, it’s not just us who struggle — our plants do too. A little extra care for your orchids can go a long way. In this article, you’ll learn how to protect them from the heat, so your orchids can thrive and bloom beautifully all summer long.

How to protect orchids from the summer heat

 

Avoid direct sunlight

Make sure your orchids are placed in indirect sunlight. This means a spot where they receive daylight, but are not exposed to direct sun. For example, a window facing north.

You can also create indirect sunlight by using curtains or a window film. These help filter the sunlight, allowing some light through while blocking the harsh direct rays. Another option is to place your plant a few meters away from a south-facing window.

Also read: The difference between direct and indirect sunlight

 

 

Water your orchids regularly

In the summer heat, check regularly whether your orchids need water — ideally once or twice a week. Look at the roots: if they’re green, they have enough water. If they appear grey, it’s time to water them.

The best way to water your orchid is to place it in a bowl of water for 5–10 minutes, allowing the roots to soak up moisture. Let the plant drain thoroughly before placing it back in its pot.

 

 

Be careful with air conditioning

Do you enjoy turning on the air conditioning or a fan in summer? Be mindful of your orchids, as they don’t respond well to sudden temperature changes or draughts. Make sure there’s enough distance between the plants and the cold air, or consider moving them to another room temporarily.

Also read: Patio proof orchids: these orchids can go outside

 

Curious whether your orchid is healthy? You can determine this by looking at two key features: the roots and the leaves of the orchid. In this article, we’ll explain both in detail.

How to tell if an orchid is healthy

 

The roots of an orchid

The colour of an orchid’s roots is very important. Pay close attention to ensure they are not dark red, as this indicates dead roots. It’s best to choose an orchid in a transparent pot, so you can easily check the roots.

The roots of a healthy orchid also show whether the plant needs water. The root colour is the best indicator of moisture levels. If the roots are grey, it’s time to water the plant. If the roots are green, the plant has enough moisture.

 

The leaves of an orchid

If your orchid has yellow leaves, it’s a sign that the plant may not be in optimal health. Several factors could contribute to this issue:

• Direct sunlight: orchids prefer a bright spot, but no direct sunlight. Avoid placing your plant too close to a window, or consider using sheer curtains to create some shade.
• Too high or too low temperature: the ideal temperature for an orchid ranges between 15–25°C.
• Overwatering: too much water can cause the roots to rot, leading to yellow leaves. To prevent root rot, consider using the immersion method. Simply immerse the orchid’s root ball and inner pot in water for 5 to 10 minutes. This method helps ensure the roots to receive adequate hydration without becoming waterlogged.

 

Also read: What to do with an orchid with yellow leaves?

 

Orchids are stunning, and that alone is reason enough to bring these houseplants into your home. But beyond their beauty, orchids have even more to offer! Read on to discover the benefits of orchids.

The 5 benefits of orchids

 

Easy to care for

A common misconception about orchids is that they’re difficult to care for. In reality, they’re incredibly easy! With just a little extra attention, you can enjoy these houseplants for years. The three most important steps are:

• Watering: once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter
• Placement: a spot with indirect sunlight
• Temperature: keep them in a room between 15–25°C

 

Also read: Explained: the care icons on an orchid label

 

Orchids have a long blooming period

Most orchid varieties bloom for about six to ten weeks. While the flowers will eventually fade, don’t throw the plant away—you can get it to bloom again!

 

 

Reblooming orchids

Once an orchid has finished blooming, the flowers will fall off. But don’t discard the plant! Orchids can bloom again and again. With over 25,000 species of orchids, there isn’t one method that works for all. That’s why this article provides tips for several popular types, such as Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Cattleya, and Oncidium, to help you bring them back to life!

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

 

There are over 25,000 types of orchids

With more than 25,000 species, orchids come in a vast array of colours, fragrances, and unique characteristics. This means there’s an orchid to suit every interior style! The most popular variety is the Phalaenopsis, also known as the Moth Orchid. This classic beauty alone is available in hundreds of shapes and colours. Other popular ones include Oncidium (Tiger Orchid), Vanda, Dendrobium, Miltonia (Pansy Orchid), Cambria, Cymbidium, and Paphiopedilum (Venus Slipper).

 

It’s the perfect gift

With so many varieties, there’s an orchid for everyone, making it a fantastic gift idea. After all, who wouldn’t be delighted to receive such a beautiful plant?

Also read: How to wrap an orchid as a gift

 

Light is one of the most important factors in plant care, as plants cannot thrive without it. However, the amount of light needed varies between plants. That’s why it’s useful to know the specific preferences of each houseplant. Wondering how much light do orchids need? Read on to find out!

How much light do orchids need?

 

Orchids require plenty of light, but it’s crucial to ensure they are not placed in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch and other issues. Therefore, place your orchid in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight.

 

What is indirect sunlight?

So, what exactly is indirect sunlight? It refers to a spot in your home where the orchid receives daylight, but isn’t exposed to direct sun rays. For example, a north-facing window is ideal. You can also create indirect sunlight by using curtains or window film to filter the sunlight. This allows light to pass through while blocking the harsh, direct rays. Another option is to place your orchid a few feet away from a south-facing window.

 

Check this video when placing your orchid at home:

 

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What are signs of too much or too little light?

If an orchid gets too much sunlight, it may grow limp, its leaves can burn, or its buds may drop. This indicates it’s time to move the plant to a spot with less direct sunlight.

On the other hand, if an orchid receives too little light, its leaves may turn yellow, become limp, and no new shoots will appear. This is a sign that the plant needs to be moved to a brighter location.

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

 

 

Follow us on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or Pinterest for more inspiration and care tips!

 

Summer is here! And that means more light, more sun, and a bit more warmth indoors. These changes also affect your orchids, so it’s time to adjust their care a little. Read on for four tips on caring for your orchid in summer.

Also read: Bring spring into your home: 3 ways to update your interior for spring

How to care for your orchid in summer

 

Watering

Water your orchid once or twice a week. Ideally, do this by placing the plant in a bowl of water for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the roots to soak up moisture. Let it drain well before placing it back in the pot. To give your orchid an extra boost, you can add orchid feed once a month. Use 10 ml feed per 1 litre of water.

 

Sufficient daylight

Place the orchid in a bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight. As the sun becomes a little stronger in summer, the spot that was perfect all winter might now be too sunny. Avoid dark corners, as orchids that don’t get enough light will produce few or no flowers.

 

Reblooming

Did you know that an orchid can bloom multiple times? You can enjoy this plant for years! Summer is the perfect time to encourage an orchid to bloom again. With increased sunlight and warmer temperatures, orchids often develop new buds.

 

Also read: How to help your orchid rebloom in the spring

 

The ideal temperature

The ideal room temperature for an orchid is between 15 and 25°C. Ensure the plant isn’t exposed to draughts or placed too close to a heater.

 

Watch this video as well:

@orchidsinfo

3 simple tips for orchid care in spring! 🌞 #orchidcare #spring #plantcaretips #springplantcare #orchids

♬ Try Something New – Alex Arias & Alexander Julius Wright

When you buy a new orchid, it comes with a label that includes various care icons to help you look after your new plant. Nothing complicated, but useful to know! To make sure you understand them, we’re breaking them down in this article: this is what the care icons on an orchid label mean.

The care icons on an orchid label

 

Light

Place the orchid in a light spot without direct sunlight. This means a location where the plant receives daylight, but isn’t in full sun. For example, in a north-facing window or a few metres from a south-facing window. You can also create indirect sunlight by hanging curtains or applying window film.

Also read: Where should I place an orchid in my house? The 4 best spots

 

Feeding

The orchid will happily bloom without additional feeding, but for optimal flowering pleasure feed it once a month. Add 10 ml of orchid feed per 1 litre of water.

 

Water

Place the orchid in a layer of water for about 10 minutes once a week. Allow to drain and return it to the planter.

 

Reblooming

Cut off a spent stem above the second ‘eye’ (the thickening on the branch) from the roots. Water the plant a little less and place it in a cooler spot until new buds begin to form.

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

 

Temperature

Maintain a temperature of between 15°C and 25°C.

 

Not edible

Orchids are not meant for consumption.

 

Also watch this video:

@orchidsinfo

This is what the care icons on the label of an orchid mean – nothing complicated, but useful to know! #orchidcare #neworchid #orchidscare

♬ I Can Feel It v3 – Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria

If you’re looking for care tips for orchids, you’ll often read that the best place to keep an orchid is a bright spot without direct sunlight. But what exactly does this mean? In this article, we’ll explain the difference between direct and indirect sunlight, so you can easily find the best spot for your orchid from now on.

Also read: How to care for an orchid

The difference between direct and indirect sunlight

Light is one of the most important factors in plant care, as plants cannot thrive without light. However, the amount of light needed varies between plants. That’s why it’s useful to know the specific light preferences of your plants.

It’s also wise to consider what type of light you have in your home. Windows facing west, for example, get a different amount of sunlight than those facing east. West-facing windows receive a lot of light in the afternoon, which is strong and warm. East-facing windows, on the other hand, get sunlight in the morning hours, which is moderate and weaker.

 

What is direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight typically comes from the south or west, where the sun is strongest during the day. Ask yourself where the sun shines in your home at the hottest part of the day (midday and early evening). During this time, plants by south- or west-facing windows will receive more than four hours of direct sunlight.

 

What is indirect sunlight?

Indirect sunlight refers to a spot where the plant gets daylight, but not direct sun. For example, a window facing north. You can also create indirect sunlight by hanging curtains or a window film. This filters the sunlight, allowing some light through while blocking the harsh direct rays. Another option is to place your plant a few meters away from a south-facing window.

 

Remember: the orchid should see the sun, but the sun shouldn’t see the orchid.

@orchidsinfo

Keep this in mind when placing your orchids at home 🌞 #orchidcare #orchidcaretips #sunlight

♬ Chill Vibes – Febri Handika

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

There’s no denying it: autumn has officially begun. Less sun, more rain, and it’s starting to get a bit chillier too. And this also affects houseplants! For example, orchids need slightly different care in autumn compared to summer. Read on for 3 tips on orchid care in autumn!

Also read: Bring the outdoors in with orchids in autumn colours

 

How to care for an orchid in autumn

Place your orchid in a brighter spot

As the days get shorter and the sun shines a little less in autumn, you can move your orchid a bit closer to the window. This ensures that the plant still gets enough daylight. However, make sure the orchid isn’t placed in a draught – so avoid putting it near an open window or close to the front door.

 

 

Watering in autumn

While you water your orchids once a week in summer, twice a month is most of the time enough in autumn. But always check the roots of the plant first! If they’re grey, it’s time to water. If the roots are green, it means the orchid has enough water.

Curious about the best way to water an orchid? We’ve highlighted three methods to ensure your orchid gets watered correctly. Read them here: 3 ways to water your orchid.

 

Add orchid fertilizer

Another tip for caring for your orchid in autumn is to add orchid fertilizer. Once every two weeks, mix orchid feed with the water. This helps promote healthy roots, shiny leaves, and a strong plant!

 

 

Also, watch this video for more tips on how to care for orchids in autumn:

 

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Yes, it’s finally summer! Time for a holiday. But leaving your orchids at home can be worrisome, because you don’t want to return to dead plants. Fortunately, there are ways to keep them healthy while you’re away – even without a plant sitter. Read on for three tips to ensure your orchids survive your holiday!

 

Also read: 4 tips to keep your orchid blooming for as long as possible

 

How to ensure your orchids survive your holiday

Read below for three things you should do before going on holiday, to leave your orchids in the best possible condition.

 

1. Give your plants a refresh

Before leaving, give your orchids a refresh. Remove dead leaves and flowers to reduce energy and water consumption. This helps keep the plant in better condition during your absence.

 

 

2. Place them in the best spot

Position your orchids a few feet away from the window or partially close the curtains. This prevents them from getting direct sunlight, which can dry them out too quickly. A spot with indirect sunlight is ideal to ensure they get enough light without the risk of damage.

 

3. Use a self-watering system

Water your orchids thoroughly using the bathing method. This ensures they have enough water for the first few days. For the remaining days, use a self-watering system, such as a water wick. Through the wick, the plant can absorb water as needed. You can also make this yourself. You can see how in this video:

 

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Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid