If you don’t have any space around your windows, put your orchids underneath grow lights instead. Keep the lights 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) above your orchids and leave them on for 12–16 hours each day.
Avoid using water that’s colder than 50 °F (10 °C) since it can damage the roots. If the inner leaves of your orchid start yellowing or wilting, it may be a sign that you’re overwatering it. [3] X Research source Clear pots can help you determine when it’s time to water your orchids—if there’s no condensation on the inside of the pots, then it’s time to water.
If you planted your orchids in bark, use a 20-10-10 or 30-10-10 fertilizer mix to give your flowers more nitrogen and help them grow.
If your orchids don’t get good air circulation, they may have too much moisture and could develop fungal or bacterial problems.
If the humidity in your home is higher than 60%, run a dehumidifier in the room with your orchids to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
Always disinfect your gardening tools before and after you prune so you don’t spread any bacterial or fungal infections between plants.
Try to avoid using strong, toxic insecticides so you don’t harm your orchids.
Try applying a fungicide to your orchids to help prevent the spread of infections. If you aren’t able to get a handle on a fungal or bacterial infection, it may be best to dispose of the entire plant.
Put a saucer or drip tray underneath the pots to prevent excess water from spilling on your floor. If you notice your orchid is wilting or yellowing, it may already have root rot. Repot your orchid and avoid watering it for a few days to save the plant.
Bark-based medium drains well and helps prevent overwatering, but can break down quickly and needs to be replaced as it disappears. Moss-based media retain moisture better and are usually cheaper than bark, so you don’t have to water it as frequently.
Check if any of the roots are growing out from the drainage holes to determine if you need to repot your orchids.
