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Orchid care during the winter months is very important for healthy development. Orchids love the summer months because they’re tropical plants, but that doesn't mean your orchid can't continue to thrive now that the temperatures have dropped.
Here are five simple tips for orchid care in winter months to keep your orchid happy, healthy and beautiful.
You can extend the life of your orchid by making sure it's getting enough light during shorter winter days. Try moving it to the sunniest room in your home or the room with the most windows. Orchids love the bright, indirect light of most homes or offices. Just remember natural sunlight is a win-win. It’s good for you and your plants, so pull back the shades and let in the sun. To avoid sunburn, keep your plant in a north- or east-facing window, away from direct sun exposure. If you’re keeping your orchid in a room with south-facing windows, make sure it’s out of direct light but still in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight.
Whether it's your front door or a window that's letting in too much air, try to keep your orchid away from drafts. In the same way that your AC will freeze your orchid, the air from your heating system may dry it out, too.
If you notice your orchid's buds falling off, there's a good chance you're exposing it to a draft.
Just as orchids don't like drafts, they don't like being blasted with hot air either, as mentioned above. Keep your orchid away from vents and space heaters. A general guideline: If it's comfortable for you, it should be comfortable for your orchid.
For orchid care in the winter months, check to see if your orchid roots are dry and gray. If that’s the case, your plant may need more water. You should also take a close look at your plant's leaves. If they're wrinkled, it probably needs a little more water. You can either increase the amount of water you're using or the frequency. When your roots turn green and plump, you'll know your plant is healthy.
(Need help diagnosing other orchid problems? Check out our Orchid 911 guide.)
Your orchid loves humid environments. You can increase the humidity around your orchid by making a humidity tray. Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and some water, and then place your orchid on top. You can put a humidifier in the room, or mist your plant with water from a spray bottle.
Just like you need to bundle up and take some extra vitamin C and vitamin D to stay healthy during the winter months, your orchid needs a little extra attention. These few simple tips for orchid care in winter months will help keep your orchid strong.
For more tips on caring for your orchid throughout the seasons and through every stage of its life, check out our orchid care guide.
