How do I Care for a White Orchid Plant?

Orchids are striking, graceful plants with long flower stalks that support multiple colored blooms and bright, oval leaves. Although the flowers hail from the canopy of tropical rain forests, they don’t like excess humidity or water, and grow indoors in most areas. These are tricky plants, though, and take a precise level of care. They also come with several warnings.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Pot
• Peat moss
• Orchid fertilizer

1. Keep your orchid in a pot that has a drainage hole, to avoid standing water. Use a 6- to 8-inch pot to start young orchids, to give them space and balance. Always keep orchids in quick-draining, porous non-soil growing foundations like peat moss or gravel, to give them the air circulation and drainage they require around their roots.
2. Put your orchid in a spot where it will receive bright indirect light, as light that is too direct or hot burns orchids. North and east-facing windows that expose orchids to morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. Set orchids under artificial lights for equally successful growing. Make sure the orchid never gets too hot or cold; temperatures in the 70s F during the day and the 50s F during the night are ideal.
3. Water your orchid with 1 inch of water every five to seven days, and only when the soil is dry. Never over water orchids as this will cause root rot and plant death. Fertilizer orchids once a month with orchid-specific fertilizer. Always mix the fertilizer according to the directions on the package, to avoid burning the plant. Avoid getting water or fertilizer on orchids leaves, stems or blooms.

Tips & Warnings

• A single orchid flower stalk may support up to ten blooms, which last up to eight weeks. Orchids generally flower once a year, in December through May, but may flower a second time with careful pruning. After the orchid has bloomed, cut the end of the flower shoot to an inch above the next node, or joint, to encourage the plant to bloom again.