Seasonal care

Orchid care calendar

What to do, and when, through the year. Written for indoor growers in the Northern Hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator.

🌱

Spring March – May

  • Repot plants that have finished flowering as soon as new root tips show.
  • Resume regular feeding at quarter to half strength as growth picks up.
  • Increase watering gradually as days lengthen and temperatures rise.
  • Move plants back from bright south windows as the sun strengthens; watch for sunburn.
  • Check new growth for aphids and mealybugs.
☀️

Summer June – August

  • Peak growth: water and feed most consistently now.
  • Provide shade from midday sun and good air movement; many orchids enjoy a sheltered spot outdoors.
  • Raise humidity with trays or grouping; mist Vandas and mounted plants daily.
  • Keep an eye on spider mites in hot, dry rooms.
  • Avoid repotting plants in active spike or bloom.
🍂

Autumn September – November

  • Give Phalaenopsis cooler nights (around 15–18 °C) for a few weeks to trigger flower spikes.
  • Bring outdoor plants in before the first cold nights.
  • Reduce feeding; switch to a bloom formula if you use one.
  • Water a little less as light and temperatures drop.
  • Start the dry winter rest for nobile Dendrobiums and Catasetum types.
❄️

Winter December – February

  • Maximise light: move plants to the brightest window or add a grow light.
  • Water less often, in the morning, and keep water out of crowns.
  • Keep plants away from cold glass, radiators and draughts.
  • Enjoy the flowers; stake spikes as they develop and keep conditions steady to avoid bud drop.
  • Hold off on repotting unless roots are rotting.

Not sure when to water or repot?

Our tools give you a starting point for your plant and your home.