You’ve probably seen it: a viral video claiming that “just 1 tablespoon of [mystery ingredient] makes orchids bloom non-stop!” The screen shows lush, flowering orchids next to a jar of honey, cinnamon, banana peel tea, or—most commonly—Epsom salt or milk.
It sounds magical. But here’s the reality: no single household ingredient will force an orchid to bloom continuously. In fact, some “hacks” can harm your plant.
Let’s uncover what orchids truly need to thrive—and which “fertilizers” are safe, which are myths, and which you should avoid at all costs.
🌸 What Orchids Actually Need to Bloom
Orchids (especially Phalaenopsis, the most common houseplant type) bloom based on three key factors:
- Light: Bright, indirect light (east or west window)
- Temperature Drop: A 10–15°F (5–8°C) drop at night triggers blooming
- Proper Fertilizing: Balanced, weakly weeklyfeedings during growing season
