Orchid

Elegant orchids

The orchid is perhaps one of the best-known ornamental flowers in the Netherlands. This houseplant originally comes from Southeast Asia and Australia, but today there are between 25,000 and 30,000 different species to be found around the world. They differ from one another in colour, size, how often they flower and the way they grow.

In the wild, this easy houseplant mostly grows in trees, in crevices and on rocks. Species like these are called air plants, or epiphytes. They take all their nutrients from their surroundings through their aerial roots.

How do you care for an orchid?

Many people think an orchid is difficult to look after, but in practice it's really not so bad. With a few simple tips, your orchid will stay beautiful and healthy for a long time. We're happy to explain, step by step, how best to care for your orchid.

How often should I water my orchid?

Despite its elegant, exotic looks, the orchid needs surprisingly little water. It is important, though, that the potting soil always stays slightly moist. Make sure no water is left standing in the bottom of the pot, as a constant layer of water can be fatal for the roots.

Ideally, water the soil rather than the plant itself. Rainwater is ideal, because tap water contains lime, which the orchid isn't keen on. It's not a must, but rainwater often has a positive effect on the health of the plant.

The best way to water is to take the orchid out of its decorative pot (if possible) and stand the root ball in a bowl of water for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the roots soak up plenty of water. Then let the plant drain thoroughly to make sure no water is left in the bottom of the pot. Preferably water in the morning: the orchid then has the whole day to absorb it, which reduces the risk of root rot.

The best spot for the orchid

Where you put an orchid is crucial for healthy growth. This tropical houseplant prefers a bright spot, but without direct sunlight. If the orchid gets too much sun, the leaves can discolour, turn dull or even scorch.

Don't put the plant in a draught or right next to a radiator either. Both can weaken the orchid and increase the risk of pests.

A surprising tip: don't put your orchid near a fruit bowl. Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas, which speeds up the ageing of the flowers. A shame, because you'd get to enjoy your orchid's beautiful blooms for less time!

Repotting the orchid

You don't need to repot an orchid often; once every 2 to 3 years is enough. This plant likes to sit snugly in its pot, so don't be too quick to repot it. The best time to do it is in spring, when the orchid is at its strongest and recovers more quickly from any damage.

Always use special orchid potting soil when repotting. This airy potting soil gives the roots enough room to breathe and develop properly. Also choose a new decorative pot that's about 20% larger than the previous one. That gives the plant just enough extra space without it sitting too loosely.

Feeding the orchid

For the first two months after purchase, an orchid needs no extra plant food. During that time it gets enough nutrients from the grower's fresh potting soil. From spring through to summer, though, you can give the orchid an extra 'feeding boost'. Preferably use special orchid plant food for this and always stick to the recommended dose. In autumn and winter, extra plant food is unnecessary. The orchid is in its resting period then, and extra fertiliser can actually do harm rather than good.

The leaves of my orchid are discolouring

Discoloured leaves are often a sign that something isn't right with the orchid. Is the plant dropping its buds? That's usually the result of cold, too much water or too little light. Bear in mind that the minimum daytime temperature for an orchid is 16 degrees Celsius. Below this temperature the roots become less active, which can lead to losses.

Sunlight plays an important role too. Too much direct sunlight can make the leaves fade or even scorch, so they lose their shine. Are the leaves dark green instead? Then the plant is probably getting too little light. In that case, move the orchid to a brighter spot, but avoid direct sunlight.

Keep a close eye on these signals: the leaves tell you exactly what the orchid needs.

The flowering of the orchid

Most orchids flower once a year, usually for 6 to 10 weeks. Has your orchid finished flowering? Then cut the withered flower stem back to just above the second or third eye (the small bump) on the stem. This gives the plant the best chance of flowering again. After pruning, it's a good idea to give the orchid a little less water for a few months and move it to a slightly cooler spot. This temporary stress prompts the plant to form new shoots, a natural survival mechanism that ensures new growth in the wild.

As soon as you see new shoots or buds appearing, the orchid can go back to its usual warm, bright spot. You can also go back to the normal amount of water. With a little patience and good care, the orchid will flower again and you can enjoy its beautiful blooms once more.

Is the orchid a toxic houseplant?

Although there are many types of orchid, hardly any of them are toxic. Even so, we don't recommend eating the flowers.

Common problems with the orchid

Orchids are prone to mealybugs, an annoying pest that likes to settle on a plant's leaves. A good spot already helps a lot: never put the orchid in a draught, because a weakened plant is more susceptible to pests. Regular misting with a plant sprayer also works as a preventive measure. Mealybugs don't like a humid environment, so a light mist on the leaves helps keep them at bay.

Got mealybugs anyway? Then act fast. You can opt for biological control, for example with an environmentally friendly spray or natural predators such as ladybird larvae. In stubborn cases you can also use a chemical product. If you do, choose one that's suitable for houseplants and always follow the instructions carefully.

Propagating the orchid

Propagating an orchid is a precise and time-consuming process that requires some know-how. There are several methods, such as division, sowing and meristem culture (tissue culture). Of these, sowing is especially complex: orchid seeds are so tiny you can barely see them, and even if you manage to get them to germinate, it can take years before you have a mature, flowering plant.

The most accessible way to propagate an orchid is via a keiki: a small plantlet that appears spontaneously from a dormant eye on the flower stem.

It takes a little patience, but the result is well worth it! We've written a special blog about it, explaining step by step how it works.

Types of orchids at Green Bubble

Our range includes more than 20 different varieties, in all sorts of colours and patterns, from subtle to strikingly bold. At Green Bubble we mainly sell the Phalaenopsis, known in the Netherlands as the butterfly orchid and in English as the moth orchid. The plant owes this name to the shape of its flowers, which resemble a graceful moth or butterfly. The name 'Phalaenopsis' comes from the Greek: 'phalaina' means 'moth' and 'opsis' means 'resembling'. Loosely translated, then: "resembling a moth".

Buying an orchid at Green Bubble

Looking for a beautiful, healthy orchid as a houseplant? Then you've come to the right place at Green Bubble! When you order one of our orchids, you naturally want to receive a fresh, strong plant. That's why we work directly with growers to guarantee the freshness and quality of our houseplants. That way we make sure you bring a healthy, flowering orchid into your home.

Don't fancy a trip to the garden centre? No problem! We deliver your orchid to your door in no time. In our webshop you'll find a wide choice of different orchids, all of top quality.

Ready to bring your favourite orchid home? Order easily online at Green Bubble and let nature bloom in your home!