Orchid Guide - Varieties, Meaning & Care

Watering, Pruning, Repotting & Placement Tips from a Florist

MoBlumen Editorial Team · 8 min read · Houseplant

What I learned about orchids in a Vienna flower shop — and what most people get wrong when caring for them.

Let me say this right away: caring for orchids is easier than most people think. The problem is not that the plant is especially delicate — the problem is that we mean too well. Too much water, too much fertilizer, too much attention. In truth, an orchid really just wants to be left alone.

This covers everything you need to know — from proper watering orchids and the ideal orchid location to the question of what happens after flowering. If you are looking to buy an orchid, you will also find a few quick selection tips at the end.

Where do orchids actually come from?

Orchids are one of the oldest plant families on this planet — fossils show that they have existed for at least 80 million years. The greatest diversity can be found in tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and parts of Africa.

Most orchids we have in our shop are Phalaenopsis — moth orchids. Discovered on Java and in the Philippines by European plant collectors in the 18th century, they were considered a luxury at the time. Today they are cultivated on a large scale in the Netherlands, Taiwan, and Thailand and are affordable for everyone. If you want to buy an orchid in Vienna, you will find healthy specimens in our shop.

In nature, most orchids grow as epiphytes — they sit on trees and absorb water and nutrients from the air. That is exactly why normal flower potting soil does not work — they need a loose bark-based substrate.

The right spot for your orchid

This is where many people go wrong right from the start. The orchid sits in a south-facing window in blazing sun — and then the leaves turn yellow.

The rule is simple: Bright, but no direct sunlight. An east- or west-facing window is perfect. A north-facing window works in summer, but in winter it becomes too dark there. A south-facing window only with a sheer curtain.

Temperature: Phalaenopsis like it between 18 and 25 degrees. It can be cooler at night — the difference in temperature encourages blooming. Drafts and dry air from heaters are toxic to them.

Watering orchids — the most common mistake

If someone asks me what causes most orchids to die: too much water. The plant can handle a week of dryness better than sitting constantly wet.

The best method is soaking:

• Once a week, place the pot in a bucket of lukewarm water
• Leave it in for 10–15 minutes
• Take it out and let it drain thoroughly — no water left in the cachepot!

In winter, every 10–14 days is enough. A trick from orchid growers: look at the roots.

It’s best to use rainwater or tap water that has been left to stand. Orchids do not like hard water straight from the tap.

Fertilizing orchids — less is more

From March to October, fertilize every two weeks with a special orchid fertilizer — but only at half strength. Orchid roots are sensitive. In winter, fertilize monthly or not at all.

Repotting orchids — when and how?

Repot every 2–3 years, ideally after flowering in spring. The substrate breaks down over time and loses its airiness.

Pruning orchids — what happens after flowering

Once the last bloom has fallen: cut the flower spike above the second or third node. The plant will often produce a new side shoot there. Only cut it all the way down if the spike has turned completely brown.

Orchid care after flowering is simple: keep watering, use a little less fertilizer, and be patient. Some orchids need a 2–3 month rest before sending up the next flower spike.

What about orchid aerial roots?

Those gray roots growing up out of the pot — please don’t cut them off! Orchid aerial roots are completely normal. In nature, all the roots hang freely. They absorb moisture from the air around them. When soaking the plant, simply moisten them too, or mist them now and then.

Popular orchid varieties

For beginners in orchid care, I always recommend the Phalaenopsis. It forgives mistakes, flowers for months, and is affordable.

Orchid colors — and the truth about blue orchids

Orchids come in practically every color: white, pink, yellow, red, orange, purple, and almost black. The white Phalaenopsis and the purple orchid are especially popular.

And here’s the question I hear every week: “Are there real blue orchids?” The honest answer: No. What you usually find as blue orchids are white Phalaenopsis treated with dye. The next blooms will be white again. There are naturally blue Vanda orchids (Vanda coerulea) — but they’re rare, expensive, and need special care.

Orchid in glass — does it work?

A popular trend: the orchid in glass with moss or stones. It looks beautiful, but be careful: the glass has no drainage hole. Water only sparingly, at most every 10 days, or take the orchid out to soak it and only place it back once it has fully drained.

Orchids as cut flowers

Cut orchids last 2–4 weeks — much longer than most other flowers.

• Trim the stem at an angle with a sharp knife
• Lukewarm, soft water
• Change the water every 2–3 days
• Do not place in direct sun or next to fruit

Orchid care at a glance

Frequently asked questions about orchid care

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