Orchids are statement plants, and their exquisite appearance might lead you to believe that they are difficult to grow. While their care differs from that of other houseplants, mimicking their natural environment will help them thrive.
June marks a significant time in an orchid’s life, as it’s peak growing season. So, while you take in your orchid’s magnificent blooms, here’s what you should be doing in June to ensure it flourishes.
1. Just the right amount of light
June brings intense summer sun that can easily scorch orchid leaves when placed on a sunny windowsill. To avoid direct sun, Mirela Bajic, senior garden designer at House Designer, says, “I would place them on an east or west-facing windowsill if you can.”
While Alis Zavala, orchid specialist at Flora & More, advises letting the leaves be your guide. “A healthy grassy green means you’ve got it right; dark green means too little light, and scorched patches mean too much.”
Did you know?
Heat damage and leaf scorch can harm your orchid and prevent it from blooming.
2. Water
Rather than keeping to a rigid watering schedule, water your orchid when it is thirsty. Virginia Hayes, an indoor plant pro at Westerlay Orchids, says to check the roots before watering to see if they have turned from green to silvery white. If they are green, you know the plant is hydrated, but once they turn silvery-white, your orchid needs a drink.
If you wait for this transition, you’ll know that you won’t be making the mistake of overwatering your orchid.
What to avoid
However, too much water can damage your plant. “Orchids will fail if they are allowed to sit in water for a significant amount of time,” warns Ward Gilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping.
For this reason, Zavala suggests watering your orchid every 7-10 days in June by placing the pot in water for about 15 minutes, then allowing the excess water to drain.
3. Humidity and airflow
Most houseplant orchids are tropical plants and thrive in a humid environment, where they absorb moisture from the air. Mimicking this environment prevents dehydration and keeps the plant’s leaves firm and green, while helping the buds to develop without dropping. Zaber suggests misting the aerial roots once they start to turn silver to add increase the humidity.
Planting your orchid in bark or lava rock will als allow the roots to absorb moisture from the air.
Airflow is important
Another issue is stagnant air, with Zavala adding, “Good airflow is your best defense against the fungal and bacterial problems that love this time of year.”
4. Fertilizing
June is prime growing season, meaning that orchids require more nutrients during this month. Zavala recommends following the “weakly, weekly” rule by using a balanced orchid fertilizer at quarter strength.
Then once a month, she says, ”Flush the pot with plain water. It rinses out the leftover salts that would otherwise build up and burn the roots."
You could try Substral's Orchid Food, $21 at Amazon. The liquid feed is suitable for all types of orchids.
5. Pruning
When the flowers begin to drop, it’s not the end of your orchid's life, and by pruning your plant, you can encourage new growth.
Once the flowers are spent, it’s time to trim the stem and wait for a new flower spike to emerge. But before getting out your pruning shears, Zavala says to check the stem before cutting. “If it’s still green, snip it just above a lower node, and you may coax out a second round of flowers. If it’s gone yellow or brown, cut it right back to the base.”
Top tip
Always use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid spreading disease and give the plant the best chance to heal quickly.
