What’s notoriously hard to take care of and can make the greenest thumb turn brown? You may think that the answer is orchids, but you’d be wrong.

Orchids, a popular flower for just about any occasion (including as a chic alternative to the rose for Valentine’s Day) has a bad reputation for being fragile and far too delicate for the harsh Canadian environment. However, don’t believe the bad press. Orchids that wither and die have most likely been the victim of over/underwatering, or too little/too much much attention.

Follow these 5 tips to help keep your orchids as beautiful and healthy as possible, despite the weather outdoors:

1. The right amount of light. Different types of orchidsneed different amounts of light. For example, oncidiums love lots of sunshine, but should be shielded from the heat of midday sun. Popular moth orchids prefer a little more shade, making a north or east facing window ideal. Check the leaves to see if your orchid is getting enough light. Dark green means that there’s not enough. A lighter, grassy green means that the amount of light is perfect.

2. The right fertilizer, generally used about once a month. Fertilizer can help keep your orchid healthy and facilitate the blooming process. Use specially formulated flower food for orchids when watering and remember to follow the instructions closely.

3. Like most houseplants, orchids can also be attacked by pests like aphids and mealybugs. However, a healthy orchid will tend to fend off the pests well. To eliminate invaders, use a insecticidal soap that’s gentle and preferably organic.

4. The right amount of water. Overwatering and underwatering an orchid is the easiest way to destroy it. Overwatering will rot the roots and underwatering will make the flower dehydrated. Depending on the type of orchid, the soil should be kept moist, moist only when actively growing, or dry to the touch before watering again. In general, you can water your orchid about once per week or once every two weeks. Moth orchids, for example, require less water than oncidiums. A good way to determine the frequency of watering is to check the leaves. If they’re thick and fleshy, they won’t need as much water because they can retain it well. On the other hand, if the leaves are thinner, you’ll need to keep the soil moist.

5. In general, orchids do not need to be repotted until the roots grow long and start climbing over the pot’s edge. Repot when the orchid is not in bloom, and make sure to remove any dead or rotting roots before placing the roots into the new pot.

Pictured on the left is a beautiful Cymbidium Orchid and Rose arrangement in a black vase, garnished with greenery. Blooms are in yellow to represent joy, warmth and happiness.

The presence of potted plants inside your home bring a certain warmth and character that cannot be matched by other decorative items. With the added benefits of acting as natural air purifiers and positively impacting your emotional state, it’s no wonder that potted plants make a popular gift for your recipient.

However, not every plant is suitable for any home and vice versa. Lighting conditions, humidity levels and space should be important factors to consider prior to bringing a plant home.  While most Toronto florists sell houseplants that are bred to thrive in the cooler Canadian climate (withstanding this type of environment), such factors can still affect longevity.

Lighting Conditions

Most plants love the sun, much like us humans. Unfortunately, the amount of light a specific houseplant requires to thrive varies. For example, most ferns (pictured above, first on the right) like the sun as long as it’s not directly on them. The same goes for areca palms. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, love a full blast of direct sun. You may find that the spot you’ve chosen for your plant has different levels of sunlight throughout the year, which means that you may have to move your plant around to accommodate.

Humidity Levels

As a Canadian, we are far too familiar with the dry, arid climate of our winters. Many of us get dry skin because the air leeches the moisture from it. Unfortunately, this is the same for potted plants. Most leafy plants available at florists enjoy an environment that is more humid than dry, and that can be difficult to recreate in the winter or if you live on a higher floor of a condo/apartment. Fine misting the leaves and a humidifier can both help.  If you’re concerned about the level of humidity in your home, try  cactii instead.

Space

This one’s pretty obvious. A big plant won’t do very well in a small space. It’ll just be cramped and be less of a decorative item than it is a nuisance. But here’s a warning:  don’t think that what you’ve just brought home will stay that size. With the right living conditions, your potted plant will most likely grow. Be prepared!