June is the prime time for orchids to bloom, making it crucial to focus on their care. This month, increase your watering frequency, use a balanced fertilizer, and ensure proper air circulation to keep your orchids thriving. You might also want to prune the stem to boost future blooms.
While orchids can seem challenging to tend, they flourish with a few basic requirements. Consistent moisture, high humidity, and bright yet indirect light are vital, along with regular feeding and watering during the summer.
Learning how to care for orchids involves adjusting your approach as the seasons shift. Now's the time to tackle essential tasks for promoting strong growth and more flowers in the coming weeks. (If you're looking for one, consider picking up a lovely purple orchid from The Sill.)
1. Increase Watering Frequency
Mastering the art of watering orchids can be tricky, but in June, you must water them more often.
With rising temperatures, the soil dries out faster than anticipated, so keeping an eye on moisture levels is key. Remember, balance is crucial to prevent orchid root rot from overwatering.
'Orchids require significantly more water in summer compared to other seasons,' says a garden expert. 'It's often challenging to gauge just how much more water they need.'
While a soil moisture meter can help with many plants, orchids are unique, so check the roots instead.
'Observe the roots: if they look silver, it's time to water. If they're green, they're well-watered,' advises the expert.
2. Regular Fertilization
Fertilizing orchids is vital before and during their active growth period, particularly in June.
Whether you create your own fertilizer or choose a ready-made option (like the Miracle-Gro indoor plant mist available on Amazon), fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
You can also use general-purpose indoor plant food from Walmart.
3. Prune to Encourage Blooms
Pruning orchids can be complex since various types require different techniques, and some shouldn't be pruned at all.
In June, however, phalaenopsis orchids (moth orchids) can be pruned to promote additional blooms.
'By June, your moth orchids may show signs of fatigue after weeks of blooming,' explains the expert. 'It's normal for flowers to drop and for stems to yellow at the start of summer, but there's a trick to encourage new blooms.'
Using sharp scissors (like these micro-tip pruning shears), make careful cuts along the flower stem.
'Find the section that's still firm and green, then cut half an inch above a dormant
