Gardening Tips & Tricks : Growing Orchids Indoors

Once the orchids are done blooming, you can chop off the dead bloom and periodically lose the bottom leaves. But as long as there's green left, the plant is still alive and should not be thrown out.

The east-facing window is an ideal spot for orchids. They prefer the morning sun and do not like the hot afternoon sun. If you have a sunny window in your bathroom or kitchen that faces east, it is the perfect spot. Artificial light is also great for orchids.

When watering orchids, it is best to use lukewarm water and avoid using hot or cold water. Some people recommend letting a gallon of water sit for a day or two to settle the chlorine, but using lukewarm water directly works well too. Soak the orchid for 10 to 15 minutes and then drain the water out. Do not leave the orchid sitting in water.

Yes, it is recommended to wipe off the water from the leaves of orchids. Just like washing your face, orchids love to be cleaned. Removing the water helps them breathe better.

It is recommended to use blooming fertilizer around Thanksgiving time. This can promote new spikes and new blooms. However, orchids can also bloom on their own time frame, so using fertilizer is not necessary.

Orchids love moisture and humidity. To provide humidity, mist the orchids or place them in the shower where they can receive the steam. In new houses, it may be harder for orchids to grow well due to lack of humidity, but as long as they are green, they should not be thrown out.