Orchid Care Made Simple: What’s Worked for Me (and My Blooming Beauties)
6/20/20252 min read
I used to think orchids were fussy and hard to keep alive—until I learned that a little knowledge (and the right tools) makes all the difference. I have 6 orchids—some are re-blooming, and it’s the most rewarding feeling! 🌸 So many people throw their orchids away once the flowers fall off—but with the right care and a little patience, these beauties can bloom again and again. Don’t give up on them—they’re just resting! ✨
If you're just starting out or trying to bring your orchid back to life, here are a few simple things that have helped me keep my orchids thriving—and even reblooming!
🌿 1. Let There Be Light… but Not Too Much
Orchids love bright, indirect light. Mine sit near a north- (and-east) facing window.
👉 Aokrean Grow Lights for Indoor Plants—great for darker spaces or winter months.
💧 2. Watering: Less Is More
Only water when the potting mix feels dry—about once a week. No soggy roots! I usually follow the care tag instructions. One of mine suggests soaking only the bottom half of the pot with holes in water for 15 minutes once a week. This helps the roots absorb moisture without overwatering and keeps the crown dry to prevent rot. It’s a simple routine that’s been working really well for my orchids!
🪴 3. Use the Right Pot and Soil
Thinking of repotting your orchid? Here are two must-have products I recommend:
Clear Orchid Pots with Drainage Holes – These let you monitor root health and prevent overwatering.
Orchid Bark Mix (No Soil!) – A breathable, chunky mix that mimics their natural environment and supports healthy roots.
✨ 4. Boost with Fertilizer
💡 Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 20-20-20) or a special orchid-specific fertilizer, and always dilute to half strength unless the label says otherwise.
👉 Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Mist — easy to use, just spritz once a week!
🗓️ How Often to Fertilize Orchids:
Once every 2 weeks during the growing season (spring & summer)
Once a month in fall and winter when growth slows
🧼 5. Keep Leaves Clean & Pests Away
Wipe down leaves with a soft cloth now and then—and check for pests like scale or mealybugs
🌼 When the last bloom falls...what do yo next!
When the last bloom falls, it can feel like your orchid’s time is up—but don’t toss it! Your orchid is very much alive and simply entering a resting phase. This “dormant” period is totally natural and gives the plant time to store energy for its next bloom cycle. Keep caring for it with the right light, watering, and a little patience. With time, those beautiful flowers will come back—often even better than before. I recommend watching this video on where to cut your orchid after flowers fall off. I also recommend this quick & sweet YouTube Short from “How I take care of my orchids” shows a handy orchid care tip using bark and sphagnum moss.
Orchids might seem intimidating, but with a little care and the right setup, they’re surprisingly low maintenance. Mine now bloom several times a year—and I hope yours will too! Here is simple printable orchid care cheat sheet 🌿