Christmas Star Orchids Tips For Growing Star Orchid Plants

A growing star orchid, in its native habitat, grows on tree bark. Keep the pot moist during the growing season but allow drying out slightly between watering in the winter once it has blossomed. Since this plant is native to moist tropical climes, humidity is important (50-70%). Mist the plant with water each morning.

What is the secret to growing orchids?

Lots of indirect Sunlight

Light is the key element to growing amazing orchids and getting them to bloom year after year. They like a lot of indirect light. Find a spot near a sunny window, even on the windowsill. If it's direct light, morning light is best, but any sunny window should do.

How can I encourage my orchid to bloom?

“In your house, you tend not to have big drops; the temperature tends to be set to a steady 68 degrees,” says Mary. So put your orchid in a room that gets a little cold by the window—and put your orchid in the window. When the sun goes down, the heat will drop and the cold will stimulate it to re-bloom.

Where is the best place to put my orchid?

The ideal spot for growing orchids is either south or east-facing windows. Usually west windows are too hot while northern windows are too dark. Placing orchids under artificial lights is the last resort if you can't find a good location to grow your orchids.

How do you grow a perfect orchid?

These plants thrive in strong light, but not direct late-afternoon sunlight (although dendrobiums can handle more sun). They also need high humidity and airflow around the roots. They need regular periods of drying alternated with heavy watering. Orchids do best in temperatures above 50 degrees but below 85 degrees.

Should you mist orchids?

Misting gives the orchid more humidity but does not create a soggy root environment. It is best to put your orchid where it will receive medium indirect sunlight. ... To ensure bright blooms and a healthy plant, use a potting mixture and a fertilizer that is specifically designed for orchids.

How often should orchids be watered?

So how do you water orchids? The easiest way is to soak your orchid in a bowl of water once every week or two --- when the moss dries out. Unlike most houseplants, you don't need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot.

What to do with an orchid after it stops blooming?

After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.

How long does it take for an orchid to grow a new stem?

Generally speaking, the whole process – from the tiny spike peeking out all the way to the finished blooming stage – takes around 2-3 months. Once the spike has finished growing, you have the blooms to enjoy for about 2 months or even up to several months – this, again, varies greatly from orchid to orchid.

What is the best fertilizer for orchids?

Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all "necessary trace elements." Regardless of the fertilizer formulation you choose to use, it should contain little or no urea.

Do orchids like bathrooms?

Because orchids are native to tropical climates, they love humidity and will thrive in the steamy confines of a bathroom. Just be sure that they have minimal sunlight (a skylight or small bathroom window should be enough to keep them happy).

Do orchids like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, especially for orchids and African violets.

Where should I plant my orchid outside?

Dig a hole large enough for the orchid, plant it, then fill the empty space with the gravel mixture. Terrestrial orchids of the Pleione, Sobralia, Calanthe, Phaius and Bletia genuses can be grown in a well-drained area with a lot of shade. Alternatively, you can make a raised bed to plant your orchids into.

Do you water orchids from the top or bottom?

When you water, water thoroughly: The water should pour out from the bottom of the pot. ... Never let the pots of orchids sit in water for over a few hours: If the orchid pots have saucers, make sure to keep them free of water.

How do you not kill an orchid?

8 Ways to Kill Your Orchid

Water it every day. ...
Establish a watering schedule for your orchid. ...
Water your orchid whenever you water your other plants. ...
Water your Phalaenopsis orchid with ice cubes. ...
Find out where your orchid is native to and water it when the Weather Channel says it's raining there.

Can orchids tolerate full sun?

These plants thrive in strong light, but direct sunlight can burn orchids. Bright, indirect light from an eastern or southern window is ideal. Leaf color is a good indicator of the amount of light an orchid is getting: Bright green leaves indicate a happy, healthy plant.

What is crown rot in orchids?

What is Orchid Crown Rot? Crown rot in orchids is very common. It occurs when the crown of the plant (the area where the leaves join with the base of the plant) starts to rot. It's so common because it's pretty much always caused by human error. Crown rot occurs when water is allowed to pool at the base of the leaves.

What is the best way to water an orchid?

The best place to water your plant is in the kitchen sink. Use lukewarm water (do not use salt softened or distilled water) and water your plant for about 15 seconds and be sure to thoroughly wet the media. Then allow the plant to drain for about 15 minutes. It may appear dry but it has had enough water.

What is the life of an orchid plant?

With good care and regular maintenance, an orchid plant may live for a lifetime — 100 years, or more.

How do I know if my orchid needs water?

Here's how to tell if the orchid needs water...

Roots that are green are getting just the right amount of water.
Roots that are soggy and brown are getting too much water.
Roots that are grey or white are not getting enough water.

How do I bring my orchid back to life?

Step 1: Materials. In addition to your devastated orchid, you'll need: ...
Step 2: Wash Orchid. First, take your poor Medusa rooted orchid remnants out the pot or planter it's in, and give it a good fresh water rinse. ...
Step 3: Trim Away Dead Roots. ...
Step 4: Rinse Again. ...
Step 5: Repot. ...
Step 6: Watch It Grow - Again!

Do orchids need to be repotted?

Orchids generally need to be repotted once a year. The best time to repot is just after flowering, or when new growth appears. You'll know it's time to repot if any of these reasons apply to you: Your orchid has tightly tangled roots.

Will an orchid grow a new stem?

However, of all the orchid species only Phalaenopsis will grow shoots off the same stem when the stem is cut above a nod or eye. ... This does happen, but after you cut the stem all the way back the plant should produce another shoot from its base. Be patient, as it can take several months to see this new growth.