How To Care For A Store Bought Orchid

Caring for a store bought orchid starts with understanding that these beautiful plants aren’t as fragile as they seem, but they do need specific conditions to thrive indoors.
 
When you bring a store bought orchid home, it’s usually a Phalaenopsis or moth orchid, which is the most common variety found in grocery stores, nurseries, and big box retailers.
 
Caring for a store bought orchid is totally doable once you learn a few simple rules about light, water, humidity, and potting medium.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about caring for a store bought orchid so it stays healthy, reblooms, and brings you joy for months or even years.
 
Let’s dig into the details of how to care for that new orchid you just brought home.
 

Why Caring for a Store Bought Orchid Is Easier Than You Think

Caring for a store bought orchid isn’t rocket science, it’s about mimicking the tropical conditions where orchids naturally grow in the wild.
 
Store bought orchids are already acclimated to indoor environments, so they’re actually a great starting point for beginners.
 
The key to caring for a store bought orchid is to avoid overwatering, which is the number one killer of these plants.
 
Let’s break down the essential care steps that will keep your store bought orchid happy and thriving.
 

1. Light: Give Your Orchid Bright, Indirect Sunlight

When you’re caring for a store bought orchid, light is one of the most important factors to get right.
 
Store bought orchids love bright, indirect sunlight, so place them near an east or west-facing window where they get morning or late afternoon sun.
 
Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, so use a sheer curtain to filter harsh rays if needed.
 
If your orchid’s leaves turn dark green, it’s not getting enough light, and if they turn yellow or red, it’s getting too much.
 
A good rule of thumb for caring for a store bought orchid is to aim for about 6 to 8 hours of indirect light per day.
 

2. Water: The Right Way to Water a Store Bought Orchid

Watering is where most people struggle when caring for a store bought orchid, but it’s easier than you think.
 
Store bought orchids are typically potted in bark or moss, which drains quickly and doesn’t hold onto water like regular potting soil.
 
The best way to water is to soak the roots thoroughly once a week, letting water run through the pot until it drains out the bottom.
 
Let the potting medium dry out almost completely between waterings, as orchids hate sitting in soggy conditions.
 
When caring for a store bought orchid, always check the roots first, if they look silvery-gray, it’s time to water, and if they’re green, wait a few more days.
 
Never let your orchid sit in standing water, as this causes root rot and eventually kills the plant.
 

3. Humidity and Temperature: Mimic the Tropics

Caring for a store bought orchid also means paying attention to humidity and temperature, since these plants are native to warm, humid regions.
 
Store bought orchids prefer humidity levels between 50% and 70%, which is often higher than typical indoor air.
 
You can boost humidity by placing a tray of water with pebbles under the pot, or by misting the leaves regularly.
 
Keep your orchid in a room that stays between 60°F and 80°F during the day, and slightly cooler at night.
 
A drop in nighttime temperature of about 10 degrees actually triggers reblooming, which is a nice bonus when caring for a store bought orchid.
 
Avoid placing your orchid near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature swings stress the plant.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for a Store Bought Orchid

Even with good intentions, people make mistakes when caring for a store bought orchid, and knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do.
 
Let’s look at the most common pitfalls so you can keep your orchid thriving.
 

1. Overwatering Is the Biggest Killer

The most common mistake in caring for a store bought orchid is watering too often or too much.
 
Remember, store bought orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees in nature, so their roots need air circulation.
 
You should never water on a fixed schedule like “every Monday” without checking the soil moisture first.
 
If the roots stay wet for too long, they’ll rot, and the leaves will start to droop and yellow.
 
When in doubt, it’s better to underwater than overwater, as orchids are surprisingly drought-tolerant.
 

2. Repotting Too Soon After Purchase

Another common mistake when caring for a store bought orchid is repotting it immediately after bringing it home.
 
Most store bought orchids are already in a suitable pot and medium, so repotting right away can shock the plant.
 
Give your orchid a few weeks to adjust to its new environment before you even think about repotting.
 
You should only repot when the potting medium breaks down, the roots outgrow the pot, or you notice rotting roots.
 
When you do repot, use a specialized orchid mix with bark and perlite, never regular potting soil.
 

3. Fertilizing Too Much or Too Little

Feeding is part of caring for a store bought orchid, but many people either skip it or overdo it.
 
During the growing season, fertilize your orchid every two weeks with a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
 
In the winter, cut back to once a month or stop altogether, since growth slows down naturally.
 
Too much fertilizer can burn the roots, while too little means your orchid won’t have the energy to rebloom.
 
Always water your orchid before fertilizing to protect the roots from fertilizer burn.
 

How to Encourage Reblooming on Your Store Bought Orchid

Once you’ve mastered the basics of caring for a store bought orchid, you’ll want to enjoy those gorgeous blooms again and again.
 
Getting a store bought orchid to rebloom requires a bit of patience, but it’s very rewarding.
 
After the flowers drop, cut the spike about an inch above a node, and your orchid may produce a new spike from that point.
 
If the spike turns brown, cut it all the way back to the base, as that indicates the spike is done.
 
To trigger reblooming, give your orchid cooler nighttime temperatures around 55°F to 65°F for two to three weeks.
 
This temperature drop signals your store bought orchid that it’s time to produce new flower spikes.
 
Once you see a new spike emerging, you can return to normal care and wait for the buds to develop.
 

Final Thoughts on How to Care for a Store Bought Orchid

Caring for a store bought orchid is a rewarding hobby that anyone can learn with a little knowledge and attention.
 
Store bought orchids thrive when you give them the right light, water, humidity, and a consistent routine.
 
Avoid overwatering, don’t repot too soon, and fertilize appropriately, and your orchid will reward you with stunning blooms.
 
So, how do you care for a store bought orchid?
 
You care for a store bought orchid by mimicking its natural tropical environment, providing bright indirect light, watering only when dry, and keeping humidity levels up.
 
With these tips, your store bought orchid can live for years and rebloom season after season, bringing a touch of elegance to your home.
 
Now that you know exactly how to care for a store bought orchid, go ahead and enjoy your beautiful plant with confidence.