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Got Questions on Orchid Winter Care? We’ve Got Answers!

February 14, 2017


We’ve heard from a lot of you after posting our latest blog about orchid winter care, so it seemed like a follow-up blog post might be in order. As always, we welcome your questions, and we thought others might be able to benefit from them as well.

Here are the answers to some of your most common questions about orchid winter care.

Q: My orchid hasn’t bloomed in several months. Is the presence of a new leaf a good sign?

A: Yes! New leaves emerging from the center of your plant are a good indication that your orchid is gearing up to re-bloom. Once the new leaf is mature (similar in size to the old leaves) the plant is ready to produce another spike.

Q: Do I need to be concerned about nighttime temperatures?

A: Assuming you’re keeping your orchid inside a heated home during the winter, you shouldn’t have to worry about your orchid getting too cold. However, make sure you don’t place your plant in the direct path of a heating vent, as the dry air could affect the humidity your orchid craves.

Another good tip about nighttime temperatures: if you’re anxious to speed up re-blooming, you may want to consider exposing your orchid to slightly cooler nighttime temperatures. Moving your orchid to a cooler location of your home at night—ideally between 55 and 65 degrees—can help induce flowering.

Q: What does it mean if my orchid’s new leaves are yellow?

A: Winter months are darker, so your orchid is likely receiving less sunlight than it would during the warmer months, which—when combined with a period of fast growth—can produce yellow leaves. But don’t worry: with a proper amount of indirect light, your yellow leaf should start to turn green after a week or two. It can also be the result of a lack of fertilizer. If this is the case, please apply fertilizer once a month.

Q: The roots growing outside the pot of my orchid are starting to shrivel up. Does that mean my roots are rotting and my orchid is going to die?

A: These roots are called “air roots,” and their growth is perfectly normal. If you begin to notice them drying out, this is likely due to a lack of humidity. Since these roots are “air born,” they absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. If the air in your home is too dry, you may want to make a conscious effort to increase humidity by running a humidifier during the daytime.

Q: Do I need to adjust the watering routine for my orchid during the winter months?

A: Possibly. Dry heat can make your orchid thirstier, causing it to dry out faster than it would during warmer months. However, you still want to be mindful of overwatering, so look to your plant’s roots for guidance. If they’re staying plump and green, your plant is receiving enough water. If they start drying out, you may want to adjust your watering.

Need more tips on caring for your orchid during colder months? Download our free winter care guide here.Winter Orchid Care Tips