Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Orchids During the Winter

Winter is certainly not the preferred season for orchid growers, as it is a plant that prefers a warm environment, generally with temperatures between 25 and 40 degrees Celsius. It is impossible to keep an orchid outside in the cold season, but it is possible to keep it in the house and provide the best conditions for this beautiful flower to continue to grow harmoniously.

Here's what you need to know about caring for orchids in the winter!

Caring for orchids in winter

Orchids need specific conditions to grow harmoniously, so you will need to consider a few things if you have such a plant. It can be quite complicated to check all these conditions, but the result is worth it because you will be able to save and keep one of the most beautiful plants in the world.

When caring for an orchid in winter, you need to consider:

Light: Orchids are very fond of natural light, generally needing more than 10 hours of exposure to grow harmoniously. In winter, however, it can be very difficult to provide the necessary light, so you will need to invest in a special plant lamp to compensate for the low amount of light in the cold season.

Of course, you will have to keep the orchid on the window, not in a dark corner.

Temperature: When the temperature drops below 25 degrees, problems with orchid growth can occur. And keeping this plant in a cool atmosphere for several months can be fatal for it, ideally to stay in a room with at least 35 degrees Celsius.

You can't heat the whole house like this, but you can create areas to ensure this temperature. You can also place the plant near a radiator, but don't forget that light is also essential, so it should be near the window.

You need to use a thermometer to determine the exact temperature, as it can be much colder by the window.

Watering the plant: Most of the problems that occur with the care of orchids in winter are those caused by improper feeding of the plant, a more difficult mission than it seems at first glance, due to the many variables involved.

Even professional orchid growers have problems in this regard, so you need to strictly follow the tips in this regard. Humidity and air quality also play an important role in the development of the orchid. It is important to water the plant when the soil is dry, but it also needs a more humid atmosphere to survive.

That's why we need a humidifier - an investment you won't regret because dry winter air affects us, not just plants. Add water to the orchid until water begins to flow through the drain holes at the base of the pot.

The plant should never sit in a puddle of water - to find the perfect amount for your orchid, you will need to be patient and study it yourself. Also, keep in mind that many factors lead to drying of the soil at different times, so you will need to check it every day, not water the plant at a fixed interval.

Fertilization: it is not necessary to fertilize the soil, but it would be very helpful, especially in winter. Fertilizer should be added when the soil is moist. Do not use a large amount, but very little, because orchids do not need a large amount to grow.

In winter, an orchid care greenhouse would be ideal, but since it is not a viable project for most of us, it is essential to consider the above factors that help the plant to develop: high brightness, high temperatures, high humidity, and possibly fertilization.

It is not easy to ensure these conditions, but if you succeed you will have a "happy" orchid.

Caring for orchids in winter is not child's play, but for a person who loves plants, it is not an impossible task.