Can you see the orchid there behind us on our wedding day? They are so romantic!

Since I started dating my husband four years ago, his ideas about life and love have definitely rubbed off on me.  he loves to recycle, repurpose, and reuse!  For example, we don’t have paper napkins and rarely use paper towels… we use grocery bags as trash bags, and compost our fruits and vegetables. (There is a compost pick up every Sunday here on the UWS!) When we were planning our wedding, he really hated the idea of lots of cut flowers being thrown away at the end of the night.  We decided to have potted orchids at each table, and to keep some, and give the rest away to family and friends!  It worked out beautifully!  Ever since I have been obsessed with my six potted orchids!  I think I have watched every video available on youtube, spoken to every green-thumbed friend I have, and read every blog to find out how to keep these beautiful creatures alive!  I found out a few truly useful tips, and would highly recommend that everyone get one of these beautiful blooms!

1. Make sure your orchid is potted in moss or bark, or some sort of pre-mixed orchid ‘soil.’  They are used to growing in trees, so their roots want to breathe!  Also, get some fertilizer for them!  20-20-20!
2. The easiest way to kill an orchid is to over water her.  Water once a week.  The best way is to have your orchid in a pot with holes in the bottom, and to let the water run through.  Don’t let water sit at the bottom!
3. They like indirect sunlight.  They don’t want to be on a sunny sill, or in a room with no window!  Luckily I have a sill that gets indirect sunlight… hopefully you do too!
4. If you are comfortable, they are too.  Orchids don’t like to be too hot or cold!  Usually room temperature is best.  Try to keep away from heaters during the winter!
5. If you’re going to re-pot her, try to only do so after she has flowered!  Also, never re-use old moss.  You also don’t need to ‘pot up.’ You should find a pot that is just big enough for your roots to fit in!  They also love to stick out and soak up the moisture in the air.
6. If your orchid has flowered  and no longer has any blooms, look on its stem.  Are there any parts that stick out?  If so, you can cut just one inch above the sprout.  That way the orchid will focus on growing and flowering again! If you don’t have any sprouts, you can cut all the way at the bottom of your stem, and wait until she grows back.  Don’t throw away your orchid just because she has stopped blooming!  Her leaves are pretty, too!
7. ENJOY! I truly have!

the same orchid today!