Thank you to everyone who came to Orchid Day 2025! We were thrilled to see so many people coming to meet the orchid-experts from Burnham Nurseries, visit the repotting clinic, and enjoy the free talk all about the Wonderful World of Orchids.
As part of the Orchid Day celebrations last Saturday, many of you submitted your burning questions about these exotic plants. Here, Sara Rittershausen from Burnham Nurseries, answers these questions.
One of my orchids has what appears to be a baby plant growing sideways from its stem. How do I grow this baby on?
This is known as a keiki and once it has grown a good few roots that are a few centimetres long it can be removed and potted up seperately as a new baby plant.
I’ve recently inherited six orchids, which I’ve repotted. Two have flowered and one has died. How often do I water and feed?
Orchids should be checked once a week and if their compost has dried out then water from the top and allow to drain. Only water once the cmpost has dried out, it is not good to keep the bark compost constantly wet as this can cause root rot. On average you will likely need to water once every 2-3 weeks but it is always to check them each week. Add orchid feed to the water every 2-3 waterings so you don’t overfeed.
How do you encourage orchids to flower? Do they need a dormant period?
Some orchids need a cool, drier dormant period to flower, like cymbidiums and some dendrobuims. Good light in the winter is also vital to help reflowering. If they have not flowered for some time, warmer orchids like phalaenopsis may need a slight change in temperature — a little bit cooler for a few weeks — to encourage them back into flower. An Orchid “Bloom” fertiliser may also help as it is high in potash.
Should I cut off all the straggly 'roots' that come up from the base or leave them alone?
If the roots are healthy, green, grey or white in colour then it is a shame to cut them off but if they are brown, shrivelled or damaged then you can trim them off. Any extra long ones can be trimmed back a bit.
I have a couple of orchids that have flowered non stop for months both have now stopped. The leaves are still green. How do I help them to flower in future?
It’s hard to give advice without knowing which type of orchid, but I am guessing that you have phalaenopsis. Having been in flower for a long time then they will likely need a little break to make some new leaves and once they have recuperated they should reflower for you. Keep them warm and light with a little water. If your plants are healthy then continue to treat them as you have been.
How & when do you repot an orchid plant?
They should be repotted every 2-3 years in chipped orchid bark compost when not in flower.
For lots more orchid tips go to Burnham Nurseries website, www.orchids.uk.com.
Will there be another Orchid Day next year?
Yes! Add Saturday 10th January in your calendar and we will see you then!
Orchids now have 10% off in-store at Beetham Nurseries for a limited time only. Whilst stocks last.
