The One Thing Most Orchid Owners Get WrongHint: It's not water (A Minnesota grower's honest advice)
- Diana Pierce
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Diana Pierce
Winter has a way of lingering in Minnesota—gray skies, bitter cold, snowbanks that refuse to budge. If you’re craving something alive and colorful right now, orchids might be exactly what you need.
Despite their reputation for being finicky, orchids are far more adaptable than most people think. Their blooms can last for months, and many return year after year if conditions are right. To cut through the myths, I talked with Eric Johnson, a longtime orchid grower and writer for Northern Gardener and Home & Garden.
Before we dig in... I’m giving away two free tickets to the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show this week. Details and entry are at the bottom of today’s Bloom With Me. Winner announced next week.
Light: The Real Game-Changer
When I asked Eric about the biggest challenge in growing orchids indoors, his answer was immediate: light. Almost always light.
“No plants love low light,” he explains. “They just tolerate it.”
"Orchids want the brightest light you can give them—just not direct sun hitting the leaves. Leaves may survive in dim conditions, but flowers rarely will. If you want flowers, light matters more than anything else,” Eric says.
If natural light falls short, supplemental LED grow lights can make a dramatic difference.
Temperature also plays a role. At Eric’s cabin in western Wisconsin, orchids rebloom far more reliably because nighttime temperatures drop to about 55 degrees. “Orchids love that temperature dip,” he says.
Water Less, Drain More
Watering orchids doesn’t require guesswork—but it does require restraint. Eric recommends watering once a week using warm water, roughly two to three tablespoons up to a quarter cup. The golden rule: never let an orchid sit in water.
“Orchids would rather be a little too dry than too wet,” he says.
More important than the method is paying attention. “Don’t make watering automatic. Get in the habit of checking the plant.”
Creating a Humid Haven
Orchids evolved to absorb moisture from the air, not just from their roots. In dry Minnesota homes, that matters. Eric recommends running a humidifier near orchids or grouping them with other houseplants. “They create their own little humid environment,” he says.
After hearing this during our interview, I went out and purchased a small one for my kitchen. I'll let you know how it works.
The Best Orchid for Beginners
For first-time growers, Eric doesn’t hesitate: Phalaenopsis, commonly called moth orchids, are the most forgiving. “I’d rather be really good at growing Phalaenopsis than struggle with something more demanding.”
When it comes to repotting, there’s no rush. Eric shares that orchids can tolerate being root-bound, and repotting doesn’t make them bloom better. When you do repot, skip regular potting soil. Use specialized media—moss retains moisture and is beginner-friendly, while bark improves airflow.
He says the real danger indoors isn’t pests but crown rot, which happens when water sits in the center of the leaves. Eric’s remedy: dry the plant thoroughly, then dust the affected area with plain ground cinnamon (like you would cook with), which acts as a natural antifungal.
By The Way - See Orchids in Full Glory This Weekend
If Eric’s advice has you curious, perfect timing: the Winter Carnival Orchid Show returns to the Majorie McNeely Conservatory this weekend, January 24-25.
The show runs Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm.
Important: Pre-paid admission is required this weekend.
Purchase tickets at comozooconservatory.org
Adjusting Your Expectations
Eric’s most important advice isn’t about light or water—it’s about mindset. “Some orchids just won’t rebloom,” he says. “They weren’t bred to live in houses.” Even so, he believes orchids are always worth it. “They bloom longer than grocery store flowers. Even if you only get one bloom cycle, that’s still time well spent.”
With good humidity, bright indirect light, and regular fertilizer, reblooming every one to two years is likely. Healthy leaves and strong roots matter more than following a calendar. Even a long pause between blooms doesn’t mean the orchid is finished—patience may be part of the process, not a sign of failure.
When Will My Orchids Bloom Again?
Bloom With Me subscriber Judith recently asked a question many orchid owners quietly wonder about: When will they bloom again—and what should I do now?
Eric’s response offers both realism and hope. “That’s the $64,000 question,” he says. “There really is no set answer.” Even with excellent care, timing varies widely.
The droopy orchid (#1) likely experienced stress from cold, but Eric says orchids are resilient. “If you’ve corrected the environment and the plant still has firm roots and leaves, it can recover.” Steady warmth and bright indirect light matter most now.
For the healthier orchid (#2), if the flower spike is brown and dry, cut it near the base. If it’s still green, it might rebloom—or not.
“If the plant looks tired, cutting the spike allows it to put energy back into roots and leaves,” he explains.
Final Thoughts
Eric’s biggest takeaway?
“These plants weren’t bred to live in houses. Sometimes they just don’t rebloom—and that’s not necessarily anything you did wrong.” Healthy leaves and strong roots are what matter. Even a long pause doesn’t mean the orchid is finished.
Bloom With Me Weekly Ticket Giveaway
I’m giving away two free tickets for the next few weeks to the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show, running February 25–March 1.
Each week through February 18, I’ll draw one name from those who respond. That winner will receive two tickets to the show.
The winner will be announced in next week’s Bloom With Me.
Enter by replying to this email or email direct at diana@dianapierce.com
If winter has you craving green things and fresh ideas, this might be for you.
Diana
© 2026 Diana Pierce
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