HOUSTON – Orchids are beautiful plants that add color and elegance to any room. Whether you bought one for your home or gave it as a gift—perhaps for Mother’s Day—you may already know that keeping it blooming year after year takes a bit of care.
If you feel like you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Award-winning floral artist Ace Berry is helping us remove the guesswork with pro tips that make orchid care more approachable.
One key tip Berry emphasizes is not using ice cubes to water orchids. While it’s a popular trend, ice can stress the plant’s root system and interfere with its healthy growth.
Berry partnered with Flora & More, a members-only wholesale market offering premium orchids, plants, containers, and accessories. Using their gorgeous orchids—which you can also find at Kroger—Berry demonstrates a step-by-step guide to keeping orchids healthy and encouraging long-lasting blooms.
Watch the video above or scroll to see the steps.
Ace Berry’s orchid care guide
Step 1: Place the orchid in the correct light
Position your orchid in bright, indirect light, such as near a windowsill with filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can burn or dry out the leaves.
Step 2: Maintain temperature
Keep orchids in a room between 65°F and 75°F. Avoid placing them near air conditioners, heating vents, or drafts. Orchids also thrive in humidity. Ideally, maintain moderate humidity levels, or use a humidifier if your home is dry.
Step 3: Check roots before watering
Healthy orchid roots are firm and green, while dry roots appear silvery or gray. Allow roots to dry out before watering again, and always water in the morning so excess moisture can evaporate during the day. Never let water sit in the pot. Overwatering and underwatering are among the most common causes of orchid decline.
Step 4: Fertilize the orchid
Use a water-soluble orchid fertilizer according to package instructions. Regular feeding supports healthy growth and future blooms.
Step 5: Encourage reblooming
Orchids go through two main phases: a blooming phase and a resting (vegetative) phase. Many varieties bloom for 8–12 weeks. After the final flower drops, trim the spike between the first and second node using sterilized scissors. Continue normal care while the plant prepares to rebloom.
Step 6: Repot when needed
Repot your orchid when roots begin to outgrow the pot or when the growing medium, like bark or moss, breaks down. After blooming, transfer the plant to a slightly larger pot with fresh orchid bark or mix.
Healthy orchids typically have firm, green, glossy roots and strong leaves. Watch the video above to see examples of healthy root systems. Some signs of an unhealthy orchid you should look out for are:
- Wrinkled leaves from dehydration
- Yellow or brown roots from overwatering
- Reddish leaf tones from excessive light exposure
One of the best places to grow orchids is a bathroom with a window. The combination of humidity, warmth, and filtered light creates an ideal environment for growth.
For more expert advice, visit aceinfullbloom.com.
More inspiration from Ace Berry:
❀ Fulshear floral artist and educator Ace Berry blooms with talent and kindness
❀ Learn how to make holiday centerpiece from award-winning florist Ace Berry