How To Care For Orchids

Avoid getting water on or in between your orchid’s leaves, which cause crown rot.

Avoid placing the orchid in direct sunlight, which will burn leaves and wilt flowers. Orchids prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees during the day and between 50 and 65 degrees at night.

Fertilize your orchid with a soluble plant food that is low in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen will encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Mix at about one-half the recommended rate, and don’t fertilize more than once a month.

Control aphids with store-bought pesticide or by employing ladybugs, which you can purchase at most gardening centers. Remove mealybugs and scales manually with a toothpick or a sponge.

Repot your orchid every two to three years, depending on its age. Repot when new growth extends over the edge of the pot.

Enjoy your beautiful, fragrant plant.