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While spring brings cherry blossoms and daffodils, it also brings uncertainty as fluctuating temperatures make it hard to figure out what to wear, much less how to care for your orchid. Wait, what? Orchids are indoor plants, at least in non-tropical areas, so they're impervious to the changing weather, right?
Unpredictable weather can be hard on both humans and their plant pals alike. Orchids are no exception! With a bit of mindful orchid care, though, you and your orchid will get through this between-the-seasons time.
Spring is the perfect time to repot your growing plant if it's been in the dormant or vegetative stage for a few months. (Do not repot while in bloom!)
If you haven't repotted your orchid since its last blooming, now is the time to take advantage of the transition between seasons by giving your plant more room to stretch its roots and grow.
Additional signs your orchid needs a new pot include crowded roots and rotting potting media.
Pro Tip: Don't let your orchid media get to the point of rotting! We recommend repotting every 1-2 years. Be sure to use potting media specific to orchids.
How you respond to outside temperatures impacts your orchid. If a sudden cold front causes you (reluctantly) to turn the heat back on, ensure your orchid isn’t in the airflow path of a vent. In general, heated air will dry out your orchid, so consider using a dehumidifier during these times.
As the warm weather increases, make sure your orchid isn’t positioned in a drafty location before you throw open those windows. While we may love the breezy air of spring, it can have a drying out effect on our houseplants!
As the heat continues to rise, another threat to your orchid is air conditioning. Keep your plant away from vents as sudden exposure to cold air can shock your plant and cause bud blast!
Pro Tip: You may have moved your orchid closer to the window during the low-light days of winter. To avoid sunburn, ensure it's behind a sheer curtain or away from direct sunlight.
While orchids love humidity, too much of a good thing can lead to fungus, which is bad news for your plant. As a general rule, orchids thrive in environments with humidity levels between 55% and 75%.
Springtime brings natural humidity, so you likely won’t need to keep up your leaf misting routine. If you’re concerned the humidity levels in your home are too high, try placing your dehumidifier in the same room as your orchid or moving your plant to a less humid space in the evening.
As the weather warms up outside, bugs and pests can become a problem for your Phalaenopsis orchid, but most pest problems are easily managed.
Keep an eye on your orchid and watch out for any unusual activity. If you think you have a pest problem, figure out what type of bug you’re dealing with and follow appropriate treatment steps. Spider mites, mealy bugs and scale insects are common invaders.
Nothing will make your home feel more ready for spring and warmer weather than a thriving, blooming orchid (or two). Don't have one yet? Now is the perfect time to purchase one, especially with Mother's Day just around the corner!
