The most frequent comment I hear from recipients of my orchid arrangements is that they are terrible with orchids and kill them immediately. Be assured, orchids’ likes are much like our own, and if you keep that in mind, you are well on your way to keeping it alive.

• Orchids like a lot of sunlight, but like us, will sunburn easily, so set them back from very sunny, hot windowsills. If the place you’d like to put your orchid is not one you would sit in all day long, choose another spot.
• Most orchids will do well in homes with comfortable temperatures and plenty of airflow. Hot, stuffy rooms with stale air is uncomfortable to most of us, and will quickly kill an orchid.
• Orchids don’t like having their roots immersed in sitting water for extended periods of time. It’s the equivalent of having your legs in a pool for weeks on end.
• Orchids prefer to keep their heads or crowns dry, so direct the water underneath their leaves.
• Orchids need their vitamins too. Fertilize weakly on a weekly basis once you see new growth appear on the plant. They do not need to be fertilized while in bloom.
• Orchids need the change from daylight to nighttime as well as normal drop in temperature. My home drops as low as 55 degrees during winter nights without any ill effect on my orchids.

Here are some of the most common questions I am asked. If you don't see your question addressed, please contact me at: sales@My-Orchids.com

1. I just received one of your orchid arrangements. What should I do now?
2. Is the care of orchids in an arrangement different than say, a single orchid in     a terra cotta pot?
3. The blossoms in my arrangement have all died, is the plant dead too?
4. What do I do with the orchids now that the blossoms have died?
5. How do I care for my orchids now that they are out of the arrangement?
6. Why do my orchid leaves look wrinkled like an accordian?
7. I received an orchid wrapped in moss. How do I care for it?

1. I just received one of your orchid arrangements. What should I do now?
Answer: Most of my arrangements are delivered just as the blossoms are beginning to open, so the first thing to do is to find a place in your house with plenty of bright, indirect light. If possible, set the arrangement towards the direction of the light. This will help the blossoms continue opening without having to twist to face the sun. Once the orchids are all open you may reposition the arrangement as you wish.

2. Is the care of orchids in an arrangement different than say, a single orchid in a terra cotta pot?
Answer: Most definitely. Most containers used for orchid arrangements do not have any drainage holes, so it is very important to water lightly and regularly test the soil to see if it has dried out before adding more water. Here is how I usually advise my clients:

• Water lightly once a week at the base of the orchid plant.
• Lightly means no more than ¼ cup per plant.
• Water the surrounding greenery twice a week or as needed. Test the soil by placing your finger at least an inch into the planting mix. If it is damp it does not need water.
• Periodic misting is recommended especially if there are ferns in the arrangement.
• After three weeks, water in the base of the container may begin to collect. Test the soil of the orchid plants as well as the greenery. If it is damp do not water.
• It is normal for the leaves of some orchid plants to yellow while the plant is in bloom. The leaf will drop once it has completely yellowed. If it is unsightly, cut it off with sterilized scissors.
• Orchids do not need fertilizing while in bloom.

3. The blossoms in my arrangement have all died, is the plant dead too?
Answer: This is one of the most common misconceptions about orchids. They are still alive and if you have a bit of patience and a healthy interest in orchids you may be able to get it to re-bloom in about a year.

4. What do I do with the orchids now that the blossoms have died?
Answer: If the orchids in your arrangement are Phalaenopsis, check the nodes on the flower spike to see if you can spot any swelling or growth. The first node will be about an inch down from the last flower on the spike. If there is a growth coming from it, cut the spike in above the node and below the last flower. Continue caring for it as you have been. With time, this growth may become another flower spike.
If there are no growths or you do not have a Phalaenopsis, cut the flower spike off at its base. You do not need to wait for the spike to turn brown and brittle like an unsightly stick. At this point, you need to decide if you want to continue caring for the orchids. If so, I highly recommend you take them out of the arrangement. In order for them to grow, they need an environment where water can drain properly. In nearly every arrangement, I leave the orchid plant in its original plastic container, so it is easy for you to pull them out for continued care.

5. How do I care for my orchids now that they are out of the arrangement?
Answer: I advise my clients to do the following:

• Find a terra cotta pot and dish to place the orchid in, then seek out a place in your home that has a lot of indirect light, is free from cold drafts and most importantly during the winter, is not near the heating vent.
• Water once a week, under the leaves until water is running freely from the bottom of the container.
• Tip the plant gently from side to side to release extra water inside the container. Orchids do not like sitting in water. It rots their roots.
• Water more often if you see the orchid bark is dry or it is particularly warm in your home.
• Avoid getting water in the crown of the orchid - this is top where near leaves grow - or down inside the leaf shafts. Both cases increases the likeihood that the plant will rot.

6. Why do my orchid leaves look wrinkled like an accordion?
Answer: They are responding to lack of water. Increase the number of times you water or when you do water, soak the plant until no more bubble rise to the surface. This will allow the bark to absorb more water. Unfortunately, once orchid leaves wrinkle, they are that way for good.

7. I received an orchid wrapped in moss. How do I care for it?
Answer: Orchids whose roots have been wrapped in moss will look as if they are dry. The moss on the outside dries quickly, but it is thick, keeping the orchid roots and bark inside moist. Water your moss-ball orchid about every 10 days. To water, lift the moss ball off its dish and using gently-flowing lukewarm water, drench just the area covered with moss. Let the extra water drip off and replace on its dish. You may find as the orchid blooms open and the base dries out that the orchid becomes top heavy. Use a small stone to balance the plant upright.