Of all the houseplants, orchids have some of the most meticulous needs, and this alone is enough to put many people off buying them.
However, mastering just a few basic skills is enough to help the plants grow to their full potential.
An orchid enthusiast named Ramon recently showed off his beautiful plant on TikTok, explaining how he got it to produce an abundance of flowers.
“They’re actually pretty easy to care for,” Ramon said. “Orchids need a lot of bright light - not on the flowers, but on the leaves.
The plant enthusiast recommends exposing plant leaves to bright light
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“They’re the ones that need as much sunlight as possible to produce these gorgeous blooms.
"The more light the plant receives, coupled with the correct use of fertiliser, the longer you’ll retain the blooms."
He specifically recommended exposing the plants to direct sunlight in the morning, followed by indirect or dappled light for the rest of the day.
“Number two is watering. When do you water an orchid? When the bottom roots are looking silvery grey, they store water in their roots.
“I run the orchid and its roots under the sink for about a minute, then let any excess water build up on the tray.
“Put the fertiliser in there and let it absorb the water containing the fertiliser.
“To make it easier for you, use an orchid-based fertiliser. You can also use a regular fertiliser - a 10-10-10 is fine - just dilute it to make sure you don’t overdo it.”
This process alone will ensure healthy growth, but more importantly, an abundance of blooms.
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Ramon recommended using a slotted pot to help aerate the plant effectively
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Ramon also recommended using a slotted pot to help aerate the plant effectively, particularly the soil surrounding the roots.
This is crucial for keeping orchids in good condition, as they require oxygen for respiration and for absorbing water and nutrients.
“It’s something I really recommend for orchids. The holes allow for airflow, and orchids need airflow — those roots have to dry out properly between waterings.
“Otherwise, root rot can set in pretty quickly over time if you keep them moist for too long.”
