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How to Keep Orchids (and Make Yours Last for Months!)

  • A white orchid in a decorative blue and white pot sits on a counter, next to a blue patterned jar and a blue soap dispenser, with a wooden wall clock in the background.
    A white orchid in a decorative blue and white pot sits on a counter, next to a blue patterned jar and a blue soap dispenser, with a wooden wall clock in the background.
  • A wooden cabinet with ornate detailing holds a blue-and-white floral bowl with purple orchids, flanked by two gold lamps with white shades. A sunburst mirror hangs above, and blue upholstered chairs sit on each side.
    A wooden cabinet with ornate detailing holds a blue-and-white floral bowl with purple orchids, flanked by two gold lamps with white shades. A sunburst mirror hangs above, and blue upholstered chairs sit on each side.
  • A decorative bowl with white orchids and green leaves rests atop a stack of books. Behind it, a circular mirror with a sunburst frame catches the light. Flanked by two table lamps, this HomeGoods-inspired scene exudes warmth and style.
    A decorative bowl with white orchids and green leaves rests atop a stack of books. Behind it, a circular mirror with a sunburst frame catches the light. Flanked by two table lamps, this HomeGoods-inspired scene exudes warmth and style.

Orchids are some of my favorite plants in our home. They last much longer than other flowering plants and the best part is—they don’t have to be intimidating! With just a few simple tips and a little care, you can keep your orchids looking beautiful for months- with my special trick! Whether you’ve picked one up at the grocery store or brought home a gorgeous orchid from Trader Joe’s (my go-to!), these graceful plants can thrive in your home with minimal effort.

Where I Buy My Orchids

Most of my orchids come from Trader Joe’s or my local grocery store. They’re affordable, easy to find, and often just as beautiful as the ones you’d get from a specialty floral shop. We always have one on our entry table, two in a big bowl in our living room and I usually have at least one more in our house! I typically buy white because it is so timeless and beautiful. However, lately I’ve been drawn to the purple ones I’ve found!

My Favorite Pots and Planters

  • A hand holds a green potted orchid in a clear plastic container above a wooden table, next to a white ribbed ceramic pot. Some green moss and a patterned dish are also visible on the table.
  • A blue and white ceramic planter with floral patterns sits on a rustic wooden table, alongside a white ribbed cup and other household items in the background.
  • A green orchid plant in a clear plastic pot placed inside a decorative white and blue ceramic bowl on a wooden table. A hand is partially visible at the top holding the plant.
  • A hand holds a square of green floral foam above a potted plant with broad green leaves in a decorative white and blue ceramic pot on a wooden table.
  • A potted orchid sits in a white ceramic bowl with blue flower designs. Green floral foam blocks are placed around the base of the plant, and some foam and moss are scattered on a wooden surface.
  • A close-up of a potted plant with green leaves in a clear plastic container, placed inside a decorative white and blue ceramic pot on a wooden surface. Torn paper is stuffed around the plastic container.

Once I bring them home, I always transfer my orchids into one of my favorite decorative planters. I use either a blue and white planter for a traditional, timeless look or a clean white planter for something simple and fresh. I have had the big blue and white bowl in the pictures above for a while and love it! Here is a similar one I found on Amazon. Both styles work well with any décor. Just make sure the pot has good drainage—or place the orchid (still in its original plastic container) directly into the decorative pot to help control moisture. I’ve made the mistake of forgetting this crucial step and ended up with a water stain on one of my favorite antiques. Ugh!

The orchid might not fit properly in your planter, so you’ll need to make sure it stays in place and doesn’t flop over. I use dry floral foam and a little Press-n-Seal to do this! I cut the floral foam into smaller pieces and tuck it around the orchid plant. You will want to do this outside or somewhere that’s easy to clean up. Cutting the foam makes a bit of a mess…Then take your Press-n-Seal and cover the foam blocks so that you have a (somewhat) even surface for your moss.

Don’t Forget the Moss

  • A white ceramic pot containing a green-leaved plant with clusters of green moss covering the soil, placed on a stone surface. A wooden bench is visible in the background.
    A white ceramic pot containing a green-leaved plant with clusters of green moss covering the soil, placed on a stone surface. A wooden bench is visible in the background.
  • A hand with rings gently holds the stem of an orchid plant, which has green moss attached to a node. The background shows a slatted wooden fence and an outdoor surface.
    A hand with rings gently holds the stem of an orchid plant, which has green moss attached to a node. The background shows a slatted wooden fence and an outdoor surface.
  • A white orchid with large green leaves grows in a blue and white ceramic pot, decorated with floral patterns, set on a white surface beside decorative dishes and in front of a wooden shelf.
    A white orchid with large green leaves grows in a blue and white ceramic pot, decorated with floral patterns, set on a white surface beside decorative dishes and in front of a wooden shelf.

After potting, I like to tuck a little moss around the base of the plant to finish the look. It hides the plastic container and gives the orchid a more natural appearance. You can find moss at just about any craft store, or order a bag on Amazon to keep on hand. It’s such a small touch, but it makes a big difference! The other way I use the moss, is I take some and add it to the little ties up and down the orchid stem. It makes them look like they came from a florist!

Watering Your Orchid

Do you have a certain day each week you water your plants? I’ve gotten asked many times how I keep so many plants thriving in our home. It’s easy- I water every Monday morning. Part of my routine is picking up, fluffing (and karate chopping:) the pillows, and watering all of our plants. Orchids like just a little bit of water. Most small orchids need 1/3 cup per week; and most larger plants needs 2/3 cups per week. You will typically find a tag on your plant that lets you know exactly how much water they need. Some of them suggest just 1-2 ice cubes per week. My issue with that is ice cubes are all different sizes…

When the Blooms Fade

  • A white orchid with multiple blooms on a curved stem, growing in a white pot with a brown base, sits on a stone surface. A wooden slat fence and greenery are in the background.
    A white orchid with multiple blooms on a curved stem, growing in a white pot with a brown base, sits on a stone surface. A wooden slat fence and greenery are in the background.
  • A white orchid in a decorative blue and white pot sits on a counter, next to a blue patterned jar and a blue soap dispenser, with a wooden wall clock in the background.
    A white orchid in a decorative blue and white pot sits on a counter, next to a blue patterned jar and a blue soap dispenser, with a wooden wall clock in the background.

Even the most cared-for orchids eventually stop flowering. But here’s a fun little trick I love: I swap the real stems for faux orchid stems once the blooms fade. I ordered a bunch of different orchid stems on Amazon and I’m sharing the most realistic one with you!

All you do is cut the original stem off at the base of the plant. Keep the wire and ties that hold the stem onto the wire. Then place the wire back into the plant where you want it. Add the faux orchid stem and secure it with the ties provided. I like to add a little moss to each tie. Add more moss if needed and spray the moss with a little water to help it stay in place.

This fun trick keeps your arrangement looking fresh for literally months, or even years! The orchid, with a faux orchid stem that I have on our entry table, is almost 2 years old! If you love flowers and want more floral inspiration, here are some of my favorites!

Let me know if you have any questions or other fun floral hacks- I’d love to hear from you!

Grateful for you,

Julie

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2 Comments

  1. Do you ever get them to rebloom and do you always leave them in the little plastic cup? I recently repotted mine and took them out of the cup. I water weekly. They are growing some and some roots are coming on but it takes forever to bloom. The last time I am thinking almost two years?

    Reply

    1. Hi Angela! Thanks for your message. I have not gotten mine to re-bloom. However, when I’ve used the faux orchid stems, and added them to my plants once the original blooms have faded, the leaves/plant have lasted 2+ years!

      Reply

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