Orchids: care and varieties (a guide to make them rebloom)

The orchid is one of the most elegant houseplants… and one of the most intimidating. The good news: caring for it is easier than it looks once you understand how it lives. It isn't a fussy flower, just a plant with different habits.

In this guide we cover the most common varieties, how to water it without killing it, what to do when the flowers fall and the trick to make it rebloom. All with the practical eye of a florist who works with orchids every week.

Contents

1. The most popular orchid varieties
2. How to care for an orchid: light, temperature and watering
3. What to do when the flowers fall
4. Common problems and how to fix them
5. The orchid as a gift
6. Frequently asked questions

The most popular orchid varieties

There are thousands of species, but these are the ones you'll see (and gift) most often:

• Phalaenopsis (moth orchid): the most common and the easiest. Very long flowering and reblooms well; perfect to start with and to give as a gift.
• Cymbidium: clustered flowers and very cold-resistant. Widely used in bouquets and arrangements.
• Dendrobium: tall stems loaded with flowers; adds great height.
• Oncidium (“dancing lady”): masses of little yellow flowers, very cheerful.
• Cattleya: large, fragrant flowers, the “queen” of orchids.
• Vanda: spectacular and colourful; grown with its roots in the air.

If it's your first orchid, start with a Phalaenopsis: it forgives mistakes and flowers for months.

How to care for an orchid: light, temperature and watering

Three things and you're done: good light, stable temperature and, above all, watering right.

• Light: plenty of indirect light, never direct sun (it burns the leaves). An east-facing window with morning brightness is ideal.
• Temperature: between 16 and 24 °C, no draughts or sudden changes. In summer protect it from Mallorca's strong heat.
• Water by immersion: submerge the pot in lime-free water for 10-15 minutes once a week (less in winter) and let it drain well. The number-one mistake is too much water: waterlogging rots the roots. When in doubt, less is better.
• Root clue: green = hydrated; silvery or grey = it wants water.
• Humidity and substrate: it likes a humid environment (mist the aerial roots) and lives in pine bark, not soil. Repot every 2-3 years.

Want your flowers and plants to last longer in general? Don't miss our 10 tips to make flowers last longer.

What to do when the flowers fall

Falling flowers don't mean the orchid is dead: it's resting before flowering again. Don't throw it away.

• If the spike is still green (Phalaenopsis): cut it above the second or third node from the base. A new spike can grow from there.
• If the spike has dried and yellowed: cut it off completely, near the substrate.
• Keep caring for it: light, moderate watering and a specific orchid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
• Rebloom trick: in autumn, a drop of about 5 °C at night stimulates the new flower spike.

Common problems and how to fix them

Almost every orchid problem comes down to watering or light:

• Yellow, soft leaves: almost always overwatering. Cut back the water and check the roots.
• Brown, mushy roots: rot from waterlogging. Trim the damaged parts and repot in fresh bark.
• Wrinkled leaves: lack of water, or damaged roots that can't absorb.
• Not flowering: usually too little light or no temperature contrast. Give it more indirect light.
• Spots on the leaves: direct sun (burn) or trapped excess humidity.

The orchid as a gift

The orchid is an elegant, long-lasting gift: with basic care it flowers for months and reblooms year after year. That's why it's loved as a present that “stays”.

It symbolises love, beauty and a touch of luxury, so it's perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, openings or as a thank-you. At Floristería Mallorca we have orchids and indoor plants ready to gift, with home delivery across the island.

Your orchids and plants in Mallorca

Want to give or treat yourself to an orchid? At Floristería Mallorca you'll find quality orchids and indoor plants, ready to shine, with home delivery in Palma and across Mallorca.

📍 Carrer del Cardenal Rossell, 73, Palma · service across all of Mallorca
📞 +34 871 777 080 · WhatsApp +34 658 838 056

👉 Discover our plants and orchids and order yours today.

Frequently asked questions