Top 5 Mistakes People Make with Orchids

Orchids are supposed to be easy to have around, right? They look elegant, don’t need too much attention, and somehow make a room feel fancy. But if you are new to them, you can mess up pretty fast. Even small mistakes can make your orchid droop or lose flowers. So here’s a list of the most common mistakes with orchid plants at home, and how you can avoid them.

1. Overwatering or Underwatering

This is probably the most common mistake. People either drown their orchids or forget to water them for weeks. Orchids don’t like their roots sitting in water all the time. On the other hand, they also don’t like being totally dry. A good rule is to check the roots or the potting medium. If it looks dry, water a little. If it still feels moist, skip it. This seems simple, but a lot of beginners still mess it up.

2. Ignoring Light Requirements

Orchids need light, but not full sun like outdoor plants. Too little light and they won’t bloom. Too much and their leaves get burned. The mistake is usually either putting them in a corner with no sun or right next to a window with harsh afternoon light. The sweet spot is usually near an east or west window. Bright but indirect light works best.

3. Using the Wrong Potting Medium

Orchids aren’t like normal potted plants. Regular soil will suffocate the roots. People sometimes use standard potting mix, which causes common orchid problems like root rot. Orchids need a chunky medium that lets air get to their roots. Bark, moss, or a mix of both usually works. The roots like to breathe, so keep that in mind when you pick a container.

4. Ignoring Fertilizer

Orchids need nutrients to stay healthy. A lot of beginners think watering is enough. But if you never fertilize, the plant might look fine at first but will eventually stop blooming. The easiest way is to use a balanced orchid fertilizer and follow the instructions. Too much fertilizer is also bad, but too little will make your orchid weak. This one is easy to forget because orchids don’t look like they complain loudly.

5. Skipping Routine Checks

Orchids can get pests or diseases if you don’t look at them closely. Beginners often ignore yellowing leaves, spots, or weird roots until it’s too late. This is where most orchid care mistakes start. Check your plant weekly. Look at leaves, roots, and even the potting medium. Catching a problem early usually saves the plant.

Bonus Tip for Beginners

If you are new to orchids, try following this beginner's guide for orchids or go for a book. Before you try to grow one, you need to read about watering schedules, light needs, and other orchid tips –which can save you a lot of trouble. You don’t have to memorize everything, just get the basics– because a little knowledge goes a long way.

And if you want a fresh orchid without worrying about messing it up yourself, you can check out a trusted florist in Smyrna, GA. We make it easy to get healthy, beautiful orchids sent right to your door. You can order from Buckhead Florist and skip most of the beginner mistakes. Order flower delivery in Atlanta!