Orchids, with a lifespan exceeding 15 years, are among the finest houseplants available. While indoor varieties are generally less demanding than their reputation suggests, maintaining their wellbeing after bringing them home from the supermarket or garden centre can prove challenging. According to garden specialists at Epic Gardening, purchasing an orchid requires following several key steps to promote vibrant and vigorous blooms.
Why Location Matters
Upon returning home with your new orchid, the first thing requiring attention is positioning it in the right location. These flowers are notoriously particular about their environment. The experts insist that finding the ideal spot must be tackled first thing. What you are aiming for is somewhere in your house that gets the right amount of light. The gardening experts note that lighting dictates the intensity of your blooms. For most varieties, bright, indirect light works best.
Phalaenopsis Orchids: The British Favourite
The most popular type of orchid in British homes is the Phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid. Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in abundant but indirect light. The key point to remember is that your orchid should never be positioned directly in the path of sunlight, as this can damage the leaves and trigger premature bloom drop. To prevent your orchid from receiving too much sun, consider hanging sheer curtains across your windows. These provide just the right level of filtering to keep your orchid perfectly protected.
Alternative Lighting Solutions
Orchids also fare perfectly well in a well-lit room. During periods when natural light is limited, ensure your orchid receives plenty of artificial light wherever it is situated in your home or office. Placing your Phalaenopsis orchid on a windowsill is perfectly acceptable. However, if you opt for this approach, be sure to choose north- or east-facing windows, as these carry the lowest risk of direct sun exposure. If south-facing windows are your only option, position your orchid further back into the room to prevent sunburn.
By following these simple steps, you can help your orchid thrive and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting blooms for years to come.
