Things You'll Need:
- White Orchids
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Step 1
Go to a reputable nursery and buy a healthy white orchid from them. Expect to pay between 50 to 75 dollars for a good sized plant. The leaves should be glossy and free from blemishes and it should have a either one of two stems with 12 to 14 flower buds. The pot should be about 6 inches wide and be filled with a dry moss-like substance that is slightly damp.
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Step 2
Place it in a window that gets about 5 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight, preferably facing south. The leaves should be a light green if they are getting the right amount of sun. They will get darker green if lacking light and reddish leaves if too much. If they do not blossom, try adding a little supplemental light in the evenings with a couple of fluorescent tubes.
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Step 3
Water thoroughly, until the water runs through the pot, but then allow it to dry out between waterings. They might need a more frequent watering when it is warmer outside and also when they are in full bloom. White orchids like to have lots of air holes around its roots--similar to its tropical native heritage of growing off the sides of mossy trees. You can set the pot in a tray of pebbles filled with water to create a more humid environment for it.
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Step 4
Fertilize about once a month. You can buy orchid food pretty easily nowadays since they are so much more common. Follow the directions on the container. Typically it is added to the water and not directly to the soil.
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Step 5
Trim back the flower stalk once it has stopped blossoming. If the plant looks good and healthy, trim it just before the last growing node. If the plant is somewhat sickly, cut the flower stalk all the way back to give the plant a chance to rejuvinate before blossoming again.
