Orchids are normally epiphytes in nature growing in trees without soil. They like water, but don’t want to stay wet
If your orchid is in a cachepot (a decorative container without drainage) remove the plant in its plastic pot to water it
Take your plant to the sink and water thoroughly, running water through the pot for a few minutes
Let it drain thoroughly before returning to cachepot
Do NOT let water sit in the center of the leaves–they will rot and fall apart (trust me- I’ve done it)
When the roots are gray in color, they are dry. When they are a nice mint green color, they are well hydrated.
Light
Medium to bright light is good.
East exposure is perfect
West is also good, but back a bit from the windowsill
If it doesn’t bloom within the year, it needs more light
Fertilizer
Use fertilizer for orchids and follow the directions.
I usually never use fertilizer for indoor plants at full strength
Never use more fertilizer than called for
Additional Care
Use a lemon slice or lemon juice to clean the leaves if it has mineral water spots or fertilizer spots from the greenhouse
Remember not to let the water sit in the center of the plant (worth saying twice)
If you have grown and bloomed an African violet, put this plant next to it and you should have blooms every year
Many cut the flower off right above the second node (swelled area on the flower stem) when it is done flowering. The plant will often send out another flower spike. I feel it is better to cut it off at the base by the leaves and let it store up energy for a bigger display the next year.
