How to Care for Your Orchid During the Winter
Whether you are caring for your first orchid or are a longtime orchid aficionado, the winter months can be a cause for concern. You might not know how to tend to your tropical plant through the driest, coldest time of year.
Not to worry – you can help your orchid thrive until spring and beyond simply by following these easy steps.
Here are five winter orchid care tips that will help both beginners and pros for the next few months.
Adjust watering routine
Depending on the climate where you live and the dryness of your home, it is possible adjustments are needed to your orchid watering routine. While three ice cubes per week is the standard, dry heat can make your orchid dry out faster and require a little extra moisture.
However, the dangers of overwatering should not be ignored. The best clue is to look at your plant’s roots. A well-watered orchid has plump and green roots. If you notice your orchid’s roots start to dry out, you may want to adjust the water routine slightly to give your plant the added moisture it needs.
Pay attention to your home’s humidity
If your orchid is kept inside, the temperature should not be a problem during the winter months. However, since orchids love humidity and winter is a dry time of year, you may need watch your home’s humidity levels. There are a few options for increasing the humidity for your plant:
• Make a humidity tray by placing your plant on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water.
• Run a humidifier for a few hours each day in the same room as your orchid.
• Keep your orchid in the bathroom during the winter months. Just make sure it gets enough natural light!
Make sure the orchid is in a sunny room
Winter days are shorter and generally less sunny, so you may need to relocate the location of your orchid for a few months. Make sure you find a spot that receives lots of indirect natural light for a thriving, healthy plant.
Watch for drafts
The warm, dry air coming out of the heating vents in your home can pose a danger to your orchid. If your plant is near a vent, consider relocating it. Similarly, you do not want to put your orchid near a doorway that will be frequently opened and could bring in outside drafts.
Do not panic if yellow leaves appear
While yellowed leaves are a sign your orchid needs attention, there is no need to panic. Generally, yellowed leaves mean your plant is not receiving enough indirect natural light. By moving your plant to a brighter spot, you should be able to reverse the effects of the yellowed leaves. If you do not think sunlight is the problem, your orchid may need to be fertilized.
Remember, there is no reason your orchid will not be able to endure the winter months. With the proper orchid care, your plant will be thriving when spring arrives.
If you have any additional questions about caring for your with indoor plants, especially over the winter, feel free to contact Homescape Now today for help!
