With its graceful flowers and exotic look, the orchid is a star plant in our homes. Given as a gift or chosen to decorate a living room, it symbolizes elegance, purity… and sometimes a bit of a gardening challenge.
But good news: orchids are not that difficult to care for if you follow a few simple rules. Here are the tips from our flower house Nicyr in Paris to keep your orchid in perfect health, and even encourage it to bloom again within the year!
1. Where should you place your orchid ?
Orchids love indirect light but do not tolerate direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves. The ideal spot is a bright room with a stable temperature between 18 and 25°C.
✅ Ideal: an east- or west-facing windowsill with a curtain to filter light
❌ Avoid: drafts, radiators, direct southern sun exposure
2. How often should you water your orchid ?
Unlike regular plants, orchids do not require frequent watering. Their growing medium (often bark or wood chips) retains moisture differently.
Ideal frequency: every 7 to 10 days in summer, every 10 to 15 days in winter.
The right method: for a Dutch orchid, which is what you usually find in most florists and supermarkets, briefly soak the pot in lukewarm water, then let it drain completely before placing it back in its decorative pot.
At Nicyr, we offer French-grown orchids, which require slightly different care. Their substrate is made of plant moss, which retains moisture for better hydration. You should pour a small amount of lukewarm water at the base of each plant (for an arrangement with several plants in a bowl) every 7 to 10 days as well.
3. Should you mist the leaves ?
Yes, but in moderation. Light misting of the leaves and aerial roots can help recreate a humid environment, especially in winter when the air is drier.
4. What to do when flowering is over ?
Has your orchid lost all its flowers? Don’t worry: it is entering a resting period.
Here’s what to do:
- Cut the stem just above the 2nd or 3rd node (small bump on the stem)
- Continue watering normally
- Be patient: the plant may take a few weeks to several months to bloom again
- You can also water it with banana peel fertilizer for extra nutrients
5. When should you repot an orchid ?
RempoRepot your orchid every 2 to 3 years, or when:
- The roots are overflowing from the pot
- The substrate is too compact or moldy
- The plant no longer blooms despite proper care
👉 Use a special orchid mix (bark, coconut fibers, orchid soil, etc.)
👉 Choose a transparent pot to monitor root health
Our orchids available in store
At Nicyr Paris, we regularly offer French Phalaenopsis orchids, perfect to give or to treat yourself. Our orchids are hand-arranged by our florists with decorative pots and finished with natural moss. On request, we create orchid bowls in the size and color of your choice.