Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the questions we are asked most often. Please visit the care and culture pages if you do not find your question here or you can contact us and we will try to answer your question directly.

Q.  How do I get my orchid to flower?

A.  This depends on which orchid type you have, what condition it is in and when it last flowered. 

Phalaenopsis flower throughout the year and can continue to flower for many months, if in flowering condition.  If the Phalaenopsis is not flowering, try moving it to a warmer or cooler place... quite often a shock such as a change in temperature (approx. 5°C) will make Phalaenopsis flower.

If this fails, you could take the opportunity to re-pot your orchid... again, the shock may produce flowering stems.

It is possible to extend flowering by cutting the stem after flowering; we recommend leaving two nodes on the stem.

Cymbidium flower once a year between Autumn and Spring, if in flowering condition.  They need a period of large temperature change (at least 10°C) during Summer and Autumn to produce flowering spikes.  Cymbidium grow better when the roots are constricted in the pot and an over-potted Cymbidium rarely flowers.

Q.  Should I cut the flower spikes off after flowering?

A.  Yes, removing flower spikes after flowering improves the look of the plant and, for some orchid types such as Phalaenopsis and Vanda, this may encourage re-flowering.

For Phalaenopsis only, we recommend cutting the flower spike just above the second node from the base because the plant may re-flower from either of the remaining nodes.  Other orchid types do not re-flower in this way and the stem should be cut just above the base.

Q.  Are orchids seasonal?

A.  Some orchid types are seasonal and some are not.  As a general rule, warmer growing orchids, (such as Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Ascoscenda, some Dendrobium species and some Paphiopedilum varieties,) are NOT seasonal and therefore flower throughout the year.

Q.  Should I keep watering and feeding my orchid when it is not in flower?

A.  This depends on the orchid type.  Generally, most popular varieties, (such as Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum and Odontoglossum,) do not need a rest period between flowering and therefore you should continue to water and feed them when they are not in flower.

Q.  How often should I water my orchid?

A.  This depends on the orchid type.  As a general rule, the plant should not be allowed to dry-out completely or become water-logged.  Depending on the temperature, once a week is usually sufficient, however, please refer to the relevant culture page for more information.

Q.  Why have the buds dropped off?

A.  There are various causes of 'bud drop' but it is usually caused by the plant experiencing some kind of 'shock'.  Commercially grown orchids are grown in tightly controlled environments so it is best to maintain similar conditions as much as possible.  severe changes to their growing conditions will cause 'bud drop'.

The most common reasons for bud drop are (in order of 'likely cause') :

• Cold drafts

• Location is too hot or too cold (N.B. This also applies to transporting the plant from the place of purchase to its new home)

• Over or under watering

• Extremely low light levels

Q.  Why have the flowers dropped off?

A.  Of course, the flowers will drop off once it has finished flowering, but the reasons for premature 'flower drop' are the same as for 'bud drop', (see above).

Q.  How often should I feed my orchid?

A.  This depends on the orchid type.  Generally, we recommend feeding every other watering but please refer to the relevant culture page for more information.

Q.  When should I re-pot my orchid?

A.  This depends on the orchid type.  The main reason for re-potting is to replace compost that has broken down.  Cymbidium like to be pot-bound but they do out-grow their pots and will need to be re-potted and/or divided.  Please refer to the relevant culture page for more information.

Q.  Why did my Cattleya only flower for a couple of weeks?

A.  Whilst Cattleya have exceptionally beautiful flowers they do not flower for as long as other popular orchid types.  Cattleya typically flower for just a few weeks but this may be reduced in hotter conditions.  Please refer to the relevant culture page for more information.

Q.  Why has my Miltonia got crinkly leaves?

A.  Miltonia are very sensitive to erratic watering  and the best way to minimise crinkly leaves is to water the plant regularly.

Miltonia are very sensitive to hard water and rainwater or a suitable alternative should always be used.  Please refer to the relevant culture page for more information.