Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) thrive in bright, indirect light, ideally from an east or west-facing window. They should be protected from direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. Water your orchid once a week, ensuring the potting mix dries out slightly between waterings. It’s best to water in the morning and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Always check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil/bark — if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

There are thousands of orchid species to choose from, and the most commonly sold orchids are in the genera. As these orchids have similar physical characteristics, you can follow this general orchid plant care and growing guide for healthy plants with spectacular blooms.

When you first get your orchid, it will likely be healthy and in bloom. Once the bloom falls off, the plant isn't doomed for the trash can. You can care for the orchid and get it to re-bloom.

Follow these care tips to an orchid happy and thriving:

• Choose a location with plenty of bright, indirect light; a south- or east-facing window is ideal.
• Allow the growing medium to dry out completely between waterings.
• Use lightweight, airy growing media designed for orchids; do not plant in potting soil.
• Feed with an orchid specific fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer formula such as 20-20-20 at a diluted strength.
• Reduce fertilization during the months that your species of orchid is dormant after flowering (typically in winter).

Orchids need bright light  to produce blooms, so give the plants as many hours as possible of bright, indirect light, ideally in a south or east facing window. Be careful of direct sun, as it can burn the plants.

Orchids need an orchid-specific growing medium that is particularly lightweight and fast-draining, which is usually a mix of bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and peat.

You can purchase a pre-made mix or make your own. Do not use regular potting soil or potting mix. Orchids will not thrive in regular potting soil or potting mix. Slightly acidic soil is ideal.Orchids need to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. If the growing medium feels dry to the touch and the pot feels light, it's probably time to water.

Orchids typically need water twice a week in the warmer months when the plant is actively growing and only once a week or less in the colder months. Use room-temperature water, and water slowly until it flows out of the pot's drainage openings. Before watering, look at the roots themselves. If they’re plump and white or green, that means they’re already well-watered. If they’re shriveled and gray, then they're thirsty. If they’re shriveled but spongey and black or brown, they might be rotting.