Caring for Orchids

So many of us have orchid plants in our homes. At my house, we get excited about them (you would think we were having a baby).

Orchids seem almost worry-free as long as they are blooming. Then the hard part starts -- what to do to encourage more blooms?

Water once a week while the orchid is in bloom, taking care to let the pot drain completely as roots will rot if the plant sits in water. Orchids generally prefer bright indirect light -- near an east-facing window, for example.

Once the blooms have faded, cut the flower stalk and continue watering weekly. When the threat of frost has passed, leave the plant outside in a shady spot and ignore. Orchids need a dormant period in order to bloom again.

In the fall, before the first frost, bring the plant inside, place near a sunny window, and begin watering weekly. Keep an eye out for new flower shoots, and enjoy!