10 Must-Know Orchid Care Tips for Beginners (2025)

Orchids are some of the most stunning houseplants you can grow, but they often come with a reputation for being difficult to care for.

The truth is, with the right knowledge and a few simple tips, orchids can thrive in your home.

Whether you’ve just brought an orchid home or want to improve your plant care routine, this article offers 10 practical and easy-to-follow orchid care tips for beginners.

From understanding the right watering methods to creating the perfect humidity, we’ll walk you through the best practices for nurturing these beautiful plants.

Follow these expert tips, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying vibrant, healthy orchids for years to come!

1. Watering Orchids the Right Way

One of the most critical aspects of orchid care is understanding how to water them correctly.

Orchids are different from many houseplants in that they do not need to be watered as frequently.

Overwatering is the biggest mistake beginners make, often leading to root rot and other issues. It’s essential to strike the right balance in watering – not too much and not too little.

Ice Cube Watering Method

One of the most effective ways to water Phalaenopsis orchids, particularly for beginners, is the Ice Cube Watering Method.

This method involves placing three ice cubes on top of the orchid's soil once a week.

As the ice melts, it slowly waters the plant, preventing the roots from sitting in water, which could lead to rot. It’s a low-effort, simple solution that ensures you don’t overwater your orchid.

How Much Water Is Enough?

The amount of ice cubes you need depends on the size of your orchid's pot:

• 2-3 inch pots: Use 2 ice cubes.
• 4-6 inch pots: Use 3 ice cubes.
• 6-10 inch pots: Use 4-6 ice cubes.

This method is beneficial because it provides just the right amount of moisture for your orchid, but it’s important to monitor your plant’s needs and adjust as necessary.

Concerns About Cold Shock

While the ice cube method is popular, some worry about the potential cold shock to the orchid’s roots.

The cold temperature may cause some stress, but most orchids adapt well to this method.

However, if you’re concerned, you can use room temperature water or water your orchid gradually, using smaller amounts throughout the week.

When to Water Your Orchid

Orchids need more water during their growing season (spring and summer) and less during the dormant period (fall and winter).

By adjusting your watering habits to the changing seasons, you’ll ensure your orchid’s continued health and growth.

2. Creating the Right Humidity for Your Orchid

Humidity is key to maintaining a healthy orchid. These tropical plants thrive in moist, humid environments, so ensuring the right level of humidity is essential.

Why Humidity Is Important for Orchids

Orchids naturally grow in humid conditions, and if they’re kept in too dry an environment, they may experience stunted growth, wilting, or poor blooming.

Maintaining high humidity helps orchids stay healthy, ensuring that they grow properly and bloom beautifully.

DIY Humidity Tray

One of the best ways to raise humidity for your orchid is by using a DIY Humidity Tray.

Place a saucer filled with wet gravel or stones under your orchid pot, making sure the pot doesn't sit directly in the water.

The moisture in the tray will evaporate, increasing the humidity in the air around the plant. This method is especially useful in dry indoor climates, particularly during winter.

Double Potting for Better Humidity Control

Another effective method to increase humidity is double potting. This involves placing your orchid’s pot inside a slightly larger pot and elevating it with small rocks or plastic bottle caps.

The outer pot allows water to collect at the bottom and evaporate, raising the humidity around your orchid without risking water sitting directly in the pot.

This is an excellent method for maintaining humidity, especially in drier environments.

Additional Tips for Humidity

In addition to these methods, you can also consider placing your orchid near a humidifier, or misting the area around it to increase humidity.

However, be careful not to overwater the plant. Excess moisture in the pot can lead to root rot, so ensure there is proper drainage, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

When to Adjust Humidity

Humidity is particularly important during the winter when indoor heating systems tend to dry out the air. If you notice that your orchid is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry leaves or stunted growth, it may be time to increase the humidity level in its environment.

3. Monitoring Root Health (What Root Color Can Tell You)

Keeping an eye on your orchid’s roots is one of the simplest ways to understand if it’s getting the right care.

Healthy roots are crucial because they help your orchid take up the nutrients and water it needs to grow well.

By checking the root color, you can quickly figure out if your plant needs more water or if there’s something else going on.

Why Root Health Is Important

Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy orchid. If the roots are damaged or not getting enough water, the rest of the plant will suffer.

Root problems, like rot or dehydration, can be hard to fix, so it’s better to catch them early. By paying attention to the roots, you can make sure your orchid stays in top shape.

How to Tell if Your Orchid Needs Water by Looking at the Roots

A great way to check if your orchid needs watering is to look at the color of its roots. The roots change color based on how much water they have, and this is a quick way to know when to water.

• Green Roots: When the roots are green and plump, it means your orchid is well-watered and healthy.
  
• Silvery or Gray Roots: If the roots turn silvery or gray, it’s a sign that your orchid is getting a bit dry and needs water soon.
  

By checking the roots regularly, you can avoid overwatering or underwatering. If you’re using a clear pot, this becomes even easier, as you can see the root color without disturbing the plant.

When to Check the Roots

You don’t need to check the roots every day, but it’s a good idea to take a quick look once a week or whenever you’re watering your orchid. This helps you stay on top of its water needs and make sure everything is in good shape.

4. Repotting Your Orchid for Healthy Growth

Repotting your orchid isn’t something you need to do often, but it’s an important part of keeping your plant healthy.

Orchids outgrow their pots over time, and the potting medium can break down. Repotting helps refresh the growing environment and gives your orchid space to grow.

Why Repotting Is Necessary

Repotting helps your orchid in several ways. As orchids grow, their roots need more space to spread out, and the potting medium (like bark or moss) can lose its structure.

When this happens, the roots can’t breathe properly, which may lead to poor growth or root rot. Repotting every 1-2 years keeps your orchid’s roots healthy and gives it a better chance to thrive.

How to Repot Your Orchid (Without Stressing It Out)

Repotting orchids doesn’t have to be stressful for you or the plant. Start by gently removing the orchid from its current pot.

Be careful with the roots—don’t tug too hard or damage them. Trim away any dead or rotting roots with sterilized scissors.

Once the orchid is free from its old pot, choose a new pot that’s just a little larger than the old one. Orchids like to be a bit snug in their pots, so don’t go too big.

Add fresh potting mix (orchid bark is a great choice) to the bottom of the new pot, place the orchid in, and fill around the roots with more mix. Make sure the roots are covered but not packed too tightly.

You can also reuse containers for repotting. For example, old yogurt containers or plastic pots can be repurposed as inner pots, as long as you cut some drainage holes.

This is a great eco-friendly way to save money and reduce waste.

When to Repot Your Orchid

The best time to repot your orchid is right after it finishes blooming, during its dormant period. Orchids are less stressed when they’re not actively growing.

If your orchid’s potting medium is breaking down or the roots are outgrowing the pot, it’s time to repot.

Keep an eye on the plant’s size and condition, and plan for repotting every 1-2 years, or whenever necessary.

5. Fertilizing Orchids for Optimal Health

While orchids don’t require frequent feeding, they do need a consistent supply of nutrients to support their growth and flowering. The key is to fertilize regularly but with the right strength of nutrients.

Why Fertilizing Is Important

Orchids need the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy.

Fertilizing provides your plant with the essential elements it needs, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help with everything from leaf growth to flower production.

Without the proper nutrients, your orchid may become weak, have stunted growth, or fail to bloom.

How to Fertilize Your Orchid the Right Way

One of the best practices for fertilizing orchids is the “weakly, weekly” method. This means diluting your orchid fertilizer to about a quarter of the recommended strength and applying it once a week.

This keeps your orchid well-fed without overloading it with too many nutrients, which could damage the roots.

Orchid-specific fertilizers are designed to give your plant the right mix of nutrients for its needs, so make sure you’re using one that’s specially formulated for orchids.

To fertilize, simply mix the fertilizer in water according to the instructions on the packaging, then water your orchid with this diluted solution.

Make sure to water the orchid thoroughly, ensuring the solution reaches the roots. Avoid fertilizing when your orchid is dry—always water first with plain water, then apply the fertilizer solution.

When to Fertilize Your Orchid

The best time to fertilize orchids is during the growing season, which typically runs from spring through summer.

During this time, orchids are actively growing and need more nutrients.

In fall and winter, when your orchid is in a resting or dormant period, you can reduce or stop fertilizing altogether, as the plant doesn’t need as many nutrients during this time.

6. Encouraging Reblooming (What to Do After Your Orchid Blooms)

After your orchid has finished blooming, you may want to encourage it to bloom again. Orchids can rebloom, but it requires the right care and timing.

With a little patience and the right steps, you can help your orchid bloom again and enjoy its beautiful flowers.

Why Reblooming Is Possible (And How to Help It Happen)

Many orchid varieties, especially Phalaenopsis, can rebloom if given the right conditions.

Unlike many other plants that bloom once and then stop, orchids have the potential for multiple blooms throughout their lifespan.

By trimming the flower spike correctly, you can encourage your orchid to produce new flowers from the same spike or even develop a new one.

How to Encourage Reblooming

Once your orchid has finished blooming, and the flowers begin to fade, you’ll want to assess the flower spike.

If the spike is still green, you can try to encourage it to bloom again by cutting it back to about one inch above the highest node (the little bump on the spike where a flower would have grown).

This can stimulate the plant to produce a new flower spike, leading to another round of blooms.

If the flower spike has turned yellow or brown, it’s time to cut it off completely at the base. Orchids will sometimes bloom from a new spike altogether after the old one has been removed.

When to Trim the Flower Spike

The best time to trim the flower spike is after the orchid has finished blooming. If the spike is still green, you can trim it back slightly to encourage new flowers.

If it’s brown or yellow, you can remove it completely. Timing matters here—cutting too soon could interrupt the plant's natural processes, so give it some time after the blooms have faded before you trim.

7. Using Cinnamon as a Natural Fungicide

When caring for orchids, you may encounter small cuts, infections, or fungal problems. Instead of turning to harsh chemicals, you can use cinnamon—a natural and safe alternative that works effectively to protect your plant.

Why Cinnamon Works for Orchids

Cinnamon has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for treating cuts or wounds on your orchid.

When you trim a damaged leaf or root, you leave the plant open to infection. Cinnamon helps protect those areas from bacteria or fungus by acting as a natural barrier, keeping your orchid healthy and free from disease.

How to Use Cinnamon on Your Orchid

To use cinnamon, simply sprinkle a small amount directly onto any cuts or wounds on the orchid, such as where you’ve pruned dead or damaged roots, stems, or leaves.

The cinnamon creates a protective layer over the exposed area, helping to prevent infections from taking hold.

You can also keep a container of cinnamon nearby while working with your orchid, so you can apply it immediately after any trimming or cutting. This method is easy, inexpensive, and safe for both you and the plant.

When to Apply Cinnamon

You should apply cinnamon as soon as you make any cuts or prune parts of the orchid. This will immediately help seal the area and protect the plant from infections.

It's a good idea to have cinnamon on hand whenever you're doing maintenance on your orchid to ensure the plant remains safe from harmful bacteria or fungus.

8. Where to Place Your Orchid

Choosing the right location for your orchid is key to its health. Orchids are delicate plants, and their growing conditions need to be just right.

Too much direct sunlight, too little light, or the wrong temperature can all lead to stress, affecting the plant’s overall growth and blooming ability.

Best Places for Your Orchid

• Near a Window with Indirect Light: Orchids do best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and flowers. A spot near a window with sheer curtains or a location that gets bright, indirect light is ideal.
  
• Bathrooms and Kitchens: Orchids love humidity, so placing them in rooms like the bathroom or kitchen—where humidity levels are naturally higher—can be a great choice.

  Just be careful not to place them in areas that get too much direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures (e.g., near a stove or heating vent).

• Avoid Drafts: Orchids don’t do well in drafty areas, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress. Keep them away from open windows during cold months or near air conditioning units, as the temperature can fluctuate too much.
  

When to Move Your Orchid

During the warmer months, consider moving your orchid outdoors to a bright, sheltered spot if your climate allows it.

Orchids love fresh air and natural light, but it’s important to make sure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight.

Gradually acclimate them to the outdoor environment to avoid shocking the plant with sudden temperature or light changes.

If you’re moving your orchid into a new location, be sure to observe its condition for a few days.

Signs that it’s getting too much or too little light will show in the form of yellowing or curled leaves. You can adjust the position accordingly, ensuring your orchid gets the best possible care.

9. Moving Orchids Outdoors in Summer (For Cooler Climates)

Many orchid varieties thrive outdoors during the warmer months, especially in cooler climates. Taking your orchids outside for the summer can offer them a boost in natural light and fresh air, which is ideal for their overall growth.

Why Moving Orchids Outdoors Can Be Beneficial

Orchids naturally grow in tropical environments, where they enjoy high humidity, indirect light, and gentle breezes.

When grown indoors, orchids can benefit from being outside during the summer, where they can access more natural light and air circulation.

This helps them grow stronger and encourages new blooms. However, it’s important to ensure the outdoor environment is suitable for your specific orchid type.

How to Transition Your Orchid Outdoors

Before moving your orchid outdoors, it's essential to gradually adjust it to the new environment. Sudden changes in temperature or light can shock the plant.

Start by placing it outside for a few hours in a shaded area, and then slowly increase the exposure to outdoor conditions over the course of a few days. This gradual transition helps your orchid acclimate to the change.

When choosing a spot outdoors, make sure it’s a bright, sheltered location—avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

A spot under a tree, on a shaded patio, or even near a north-facing wall works well.

Orchids like Dendrobium, Cymbidium, and Oncidium are particularly suited for outdoor conditions in cooler climates, as they enjoy temperatures that are more moderate than the intense heat of direct sun.

When to Bring Your Orchid Back Inside

Once the outdoor temperatures start to dip in the fall, bring your orchid back indoors to prevent it from being exposed to chilly weather.

Orchids are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and may suffer if left outside in cold conditions.

Always monitor the temperature closely and bring your orchid indoors when temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C) to protect it from cold stress.

10. Avoid Doing These Things

Caring for orchids is relatively straightforward once you understand the key factors involved. However, many beginners make mistakes that can harm their orchids.

By avoiding these most common errors, you can give your orchid the best chance at thriving.

Overwatering

Overwatering is probably the biggest mistake beginners make. Orchids do not need frequent watering, and they are particularly sensitive to sitting in water.

Ensure that your orchid’s pot has good drainage and that excess water can escape. The roots should not be sitting in stagnant water, as this can lead to root rot.

Always check the moisture level in the soil before watering—if it feels moist, it’s best to wait a day or two before watering again.

Poor Drainage

Another common mistake is using pots without proper drainage. Orchids need well-draining pots so that excess water can escape and the roots can breathe.

Without proper drainage, the roots stay too wet, leading to rot. When selecting a pot, choose one with several drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

Too Much Sunlight

Orchids need bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can cause their leaves to scorch, which weakens the plant.

Make sure to place your orchid in a spot where it gets plenty of light, but avoid areas where it’s exposed to direct sun for long periods. A well-lit windowsill with sheer curtains or a shaded outdoor spot can be perfect.

Incorrect Temperature or Humidity Levels

Orchids are sensitive to temperature changes, and sudden drafts or extreme temperatures can harm them.

Avoid placing your orchid near air conditioning units, heaters, or drafty windows. Orchids also need higher humidity levels to thrive, so consider using a humidity tray or placing your orchid in a more humid environment, like a bathroom or kitchen.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can prevent problems before they arise and keep your orchid healthy and happy.

Your Orchids Will Flourish with These Simple Tips

Caring for orchids may seem intimidating at first, but with the right knowledge and a few simple tips, you can enjoy healthy, vibrant plants in your home.

Remember, orchids are more resilient than they seem—they just need the right care.

Start by paying attention to their watering needs, making sure to keep an eye on their roots and adjusting based on the season.

Use natural methods like cinnamon for protecting cuts and create a proper environment with humidity trays or double potting to keep your orchids happy.

And don’t forget to consider their light and temperature needs, especially when transitioning them outside for the warmer months.

With patience and consistent care, your orchids will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

Keep following these tips, and your orchids will flourish, adding natural beauty and a touch of elegance to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I water my orchid?

Water your orchid once a week using the ice cube method, adjusting the number of cubes based on the size of your pot. If you prefer, you can also check the color of the roots—green roots indicate the orchid has enough water, while gray or silvery roots suggest it's time to water again.

Can I use regular potting soil for orchids?

No, orchids require a specific potting mix that allows good airflow and drainage. Regular potting soil can hold too much moisture and suffocate the roots. Use a specialized orchid mix, which typically consists of bark, moss, and other materials that provide excellent drainage.

How can I tell if my orchid is getting too much light?

If your orchid’s leaves turn yellow or develop sunburn-like spots, it might be getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a location with bright, indirect light, such as near a window with sheer curtains.

Why are my orchid flowers not blooming?

There are several reasons your orchid may not be blooming, including insufficient light, improper watering, or lack of nutrients. Ensure your orchid is getting enough indirect light, water it properly, and feed it with a weak, weekly dose of orchid fertilizer to encourage blooming.

Can I trim my orchid’s roots?

You should only trim your orchid’s roots if they’re dead or rotting. Healthy roots are essential for the orchid’s survival, so only remove the damaged ones using sterilized scissors or pruning shears.