Caring for Orchids & House Plants: 10 Tips from Westerlay Orchids Will Help!

Caring for Orchids and House Plants:

Ten Tips to Keep Them Alive and Thriving!

Four beautiful Westerlay Orchids 

Westerlay Orchids distributes over four million orchids annually
and knows how to keep plants flourishing!

Westerlay Orchids believe everyone can have a green thumb. The advice of their expert growers makes it simple to keep everyday houseplants and their line of gorgeous orchids alive with minimal work so they can bring beauty, joy, and companionship into every home.

“At Westerlay, we know firsthand that the beauty of an orchid can provide people with fulfillment – nurturing it, watching it grow, and then seeing it bloom, “ says Westerlay president Toine Overgaag. “We repeatedly see that the gift of nature is the gift that keeps giving – and inside plants are proven mood lifters. The best part – keeping them alive is not that hard!”

Westerly’s 10 Tips for Optimal House Plant and Orchid Growing:

1. 1. Check first, and you won’t get watering wrong! For all houseplants, it’s essential to check the soil before watering. If your plant’s soil is dry about an inch down, it’s time to water. Watering is always the big question regarding orchids – too much leads to root rot, and not enough leads to dehydration. It’s as simple as checking the roots. If they are green and the bark is dark and moist, watering can wait a few more days. If the roots look gray and the bark is dry, it’s time to water.
   2. Let there be light (or not). Every houseplant has different light requirements – orchids like plenty of indirect sunlight, and a fiddle-leaf fig likes lots of direct light. Check with the nursery before leaving, check the tag, or do a quick Google search. Where you place your plant will be the difference maker.
   4. Soak, then drain. Here’s a surefire way to water your orchid to make sure it drinks just the amount it wants and needs: Place the
      orchid in a watertight container, pour water onto the bark, and let the water fill the container to the halfway mark. Then let the orchid soak
      for at least 20 minutes. The orchid can soak for 1-2 hours if it is very dry. Remove the orchid from the water and allow it to drain. Pour out the
      water from the container. Return the orchid to the decorative pot and enjoy!
   5. Fertilize to thrive. All houseplants benefit from regular fertilization to provide essential nutrients. Orchids have specific nutritional
      requirements. Fertilize during the active growth period, then reduce fertilization during the resting period.
2.  5.    Bye, bye brown. Stay on top of pruning and regularly trim away dead or yellowing leaves  or dead flowers so the plant’s energy can
   stay focused on new growth.6.       Say “no” to unwanted guests.
   Get rid of pests, bugs, or aphids immediately. There are many natural options, such as| organic insecticidal soaps. They take the moisture
   out of plants and orchids.
   
   7. Fresh air, please! Fresh circulating air (Ideally between 60°F and 75°F) helps to prevent fungal disease in houseplants; just avoid
   placing them directly below vents.
3. 
   
4. 8. Patience is key with orchids. Your orchid will go through a dormant phase after one to three months of blooming. Give it
   attention and time while it rests for the next blooming cycle. The cycle of reflowering is why Westerlay’s Single Large Orchid, with its
   long life span and blooming cycle, is a particularly cherished “gift that keeps giving” and a meaningful reminder of the bond between the
   gift giver and receiver.9. Keep it fresh! When a plant’s potting becomes waterlogged, breaks, or the plant is outgrowing its home, it’s time to repot. New
   potting soil with nutrients will encourage further growth.10. Attention is everything. Plants are living things. Everyone can have a green thumb
   by paying attention to their plant’s appearance and making necessary changes. 

Every Orchid Has A Story About Orchids on Vimeo.
This video is very interesting!

Visit Westerlay in Carpinteria to experience the orchids’ beauty and see Westerlay’s sustainability practices at work.  You can subscribe to Westerlay’s
newsletter and check out the beautiful Westerlay offerings online. You won’t be disappointed with Westerlay’s | collection of orchids!

About Westerlay Orchids:

Based in beautiful Carpinteria, California, Westerlay Orchids is proud to serve as Southern California’s largest commercial orchid grower. The company annually distributes over 4 million orchids directly to customers and local and national supermarket chains, as well as florists and designers. Westerlay Orchids is a pioneer in environmental and sustainability practices and regularly contributes to local schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community causes. Visit www.Westerlay.com to learn more about the third-generation, family-run company.

Stevie Wilson’s Comments:
Two years ago, Westerlay Orchids sent me a gift of a collection of orchids. I was
astonished at how beautiful the flowers were. Friends and family were swooning
about these orchids. They are astonishingly beautiful, and they last a long time…
providing you take care of your orchids as listed in the article.  You can contact
Westerlay Orchids and get direction from them about how you can make your
orchids last!  Thanks to my husband’s green thumb, I still have some orchids!

Thank you Westerlay Orchids, for giving me such an amazing gift!