FAQ
Common questions
How often should I water my orchid?
There's no fixed schedule. The right time to water is when the bark feels dry and the roots are gray-green (almost silver). In most homes that's every 7-10 days in summer and 10-14 days in winter. The clear pot makes this visual check instant.
Why are my orchid's roots turning gray or silver?
Healthy roots are bright green when moist and gray-green when dry. Gray roots mean it's time to water. Brown, shriveled, mushy roots mean root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Repot into fresh bark immediately and cut away the dead roots.
My orchid bloomed and now the spike is brown. Did I kill it?
No. The bloom cycle finished and the spike is dying back naturally. Cut it down to the base and the plant will spend the next 6-12 months building energy for a new spike. Consistent light and fertilizer are what drive reblooming.
What kind of orchid should I start with?
Phalaenopsis, full stop. They're the most forgiving species, bloom for months, and are sold at virtually every garden center and grocery store. Once you've kept one alive through two bloom cycles, branch into other genera.
Can I grow orchids under artificial light?
Yes, easily. Phalaenopsis does well under T5 or LED grow lights run 12-14 hours daily. Most experienced indoor growers supplement with grow lights because consistent artificial light produces more predictable bloom cycles than seasonal sun variation.
When and how do I repot?
Repot when bark breaks down into mush (usually every 1-2 years), when roots overflow the pot, or when you see root rot. Repot after a bloom cycle ends, not during. Remove all old bark, trim dead roots, pot in fresh bark, and skip fertilizer for 2-4 weeks while the plant adjusts.
