FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Helpful answers about caring for your flowers and plants, and our delivery and substitution policy.
How do I take care of my Phalaenopsis Orchid?
Congratulations, you’ve just received a Phalaenopsis (fayl-eh-NOP-siss), or moth orchid. Don’t let it intimidate you! It is one of the best orchids for beginners and experts alike because it is so undemanding. Phalaenopsis are happiest with indoor temperatures between 60-70 degrees F.
Watering
We find more orchids are killed by overwatering than by neglect. At Verde, we normally water your orchid just prior to it being delivered to you. We recommend no water for at least a week, and then put your orchid on a bi-weekly (every two weeks) watering schedule, giving it a shot glass of water each time.
Light
Moth orchids thrive in the sunshine. Indirect sunlight is best so try to place your orchid near a north or east facing window.
Repotting/Fertilizing
Most experts advise cutting back the stem to about 1 inch from where it emerges from the base leaves and placing the plant in a bright, north-facing window to initiate a dormant period. This should eventually lead to a new spike followed by buds. Orchids generally bloom in late winter through spring. Common orchid fertilizers can be found at your local garden center. Fertilizer can be applied every time you water your orchid, but it is not necessary.
Watering
We find more orchids are killed by overwatering than by neglect. At Verde, we normally water your orchid just prior to it being delivered to you. We recommend no water for at least a week, and then put your orchid on a bi-weekly (every two weeks) watering schedule, giving it a shot glass of water each time.
Light
Moth orchids thrive in the sunshine. Indirect sunlight is best so try to place your orchid near a north or east facing window.
Repotting/Fertilizing
Most experts advise cutting back the stem to about 1 inch from where it emerges from the base leaves and placing the plant in a bright, north-facing window to initiate a dormant period. This should eventually lead to a new spike followed by buds. Orchids generally bloom in late winter through spring. Common orchid fertilizers can be found at your local garden center. Fertilizer can be applied every time you water your orchid, but it is not necessary.
How do I take care of my Oncidium Orchid?
Congratulations, you have just received an Oncidium (aam-si-dee-uhm), or dancing-lady orchid. Originated from Central and South America, their ruffled blooms come in a variety of shades. They are happiest with indoor temperatures between 65-75 degrees F.
Watering
Orchids are often killed by overwatering or not drying out completely. Do not water until the soil feels half dry. If your specific orchid has thicker roots/leaves, they will require less frequent watering as compared to thin-leaved Oncidiums. Water thoroughly with lukewarm water every 3-10 days depending on soil dryness.
Light
Most Oncidium species thrive when receiving 2-3 hours of sunlight every day. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight is ideal.
Repotting/Fertilizing
They can be fertilized year-round. Make sure soil is moist when applying fertilizer. Common orchid fertilizers can be found at your local garden center. Your orchid will need to be repotted when they outgrow their pots or when soil has decomposed. Best time to repot is when the new shoots are 1-3 inches tall. Be sure to use orchid soil potting mix.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
Watering
Orchids are often killed by overwatering or not drying out completely. Do not water until the soil feels half dry. If your specific orchid has thicker roots/leaves, they will require less frequent watering as compared to thin-leaved Oncidiums. Water thoroughly with lukewarm water every 3-10 days depending on soil dryness.
Light
Most Oncidium species thrive when receiving 2-3 hours of sunlight every day. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight is ideal.
Repotting/Fertilizing
They can be fertilized year-round. Make sure soil is moist when applying fertilizer. Common orchid fertilizers can be found at your local garden center. Your orchid will need to be repotted when they outgrow their pots or when soil has decomposed. Best time to repot is when the new shoots are 1-3 inches tall. Be sure to use orchid soil potting mix.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
How do I take care of my Paphiopedilum Orchid?
Congratulations, you have just received a Paphiopedilum (paf-ee-oh-PED-ih-lum), or lady slipper orchid. Originating in Southeast Asia, they are known for their pouch-like lip. They are happiest with indoor temperatures between 60-70 degrees F. A difference between night and day temperatures of 10-15 degrees is beneficial.
Watering
Water with room temperature water when the top layer of soil turns a lighter shade of brown. Paphiopedilum orchids should never be allowed to become bone dry.
Light
When indoors, an east facing window with weak morning sunlight is best. Strong or full sunlight for extended periods of time will cause their leaves to start yellowing.
Repotting/Fertilizing
Fertilize your lady slipper orchid year-round using a half-strength balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium). Common orchid fertilizers can be found at your local garden center. Repot after flowering with peat moss. Adding a small amount of lime to the soil will also benefit the orchid.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
Watering
Water with room temperature water when the top layer of soil turns a lighter shade of brown. Paphiopedilum orchids should never be allowed to become bone dry.
Light
When indoors, an east facing window with weak morning sunlight is best. Strong or full sunlight for extended periods of time will cause their leaves to start yellowing.
Repotting/Fertilizing
Fertilize your lady slipper orchid year-round using a half-strength balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium). Common orchid fertilizers can be found at your local garden center. Repot after flowering with peat moss. Adding a small amount of lime to the soil will also benefit the orchid.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
How do I take care of my Terrarium?
Congratulations, you have just received a terrarium, your personal indoor garden. If your terrarium is closed/sealed, it can survive in temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees F. They prefer warm and humid climates. To maintain, keep up with removing spent flowers or leaves and wiping the glass inside and out with a clean cloth occasionally.
Watering
Dampen the soil until you can see water dripping through layers of soil and pebbles. If your terrarium is open, water when soil looks dry, usually every 7-10 days. If your terrarium is sealed, water when soil looks dry, usually every 3-4 weeks.
Light
Terrariums will thrive in direct or indirect light but bright in-direct light is preferred. Try placing in a north-facing window to achieve 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
Watering
Dampen the soil until you can see water dripping through layers of soil and pebbles. If your terrarium is open, water when soil looks dry, usually every 7-10 days. If your terrarium is sealed, water when soil looks dry, usually every 3-4 weeks.
Light
Terrariums will thrive in direct or indirect light but bright in-direct light is preferred. Try placing in a north-facing window to achieve 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
How do I take care of my Tillandsia/Air Plant?
Tillandsias grow differently than most other house plants so they can be confusing to the beginner. Do not let them intimidate you; they are hardy and require much less attention than other house plants. Protect them from frosts and sun burns. Tillandsias prefer higher humidity levels which allow them to tolerate more sunlight. Most prefer cooler night temperatures; a 15 degree drop from day temperatures if it can be provided.
Watering
If you are growing them indoors and the air is dry, you will need to submerge the plant in water for 2-3 hours every two weeks or one hour weekly. Otherwise, in a shaded house or unheated home, you can use a soaking mist twice a week during the summer, once a week in cooler weather.
Light
Tillandsias prefer bright filtered, no direct sunlight. Higher humidity levels allow them to tolerate brighter sunlight. Fertilizing
Air plants can be fertilized a few times a year with either air plant specific fertilizer or low-nitrogen bromeliad fertilizer.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
Watering
If you are growing them indoors and the air is dry, you will need to submerge the plant in water for 2-3 hours every two weeks or one hour weekly. Otherwise, in a shaded house or unheated home, you can use a soaking mist twice a week during the summer, once a week in cooler weather.
Light
Tillandsias prefer bright filtered, no direct sunlight. Higher humidity levels allow them to tolerate brighter sunlight. Fertilizing
Air plants can be fertilized a few times a year with either air plant specific fertilizer or low-nitrogen bromeliad fertilizer.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
How do I take care of my succulent?
Congratulations, you just received a succulent dish garden. Succulents come in many different forms and varieties. The most common being echeveria and sedum. Succulents are drought friendly plants. Their leaves usually look fleshy because they are engorged with water, allowing them to survive in arid climates. Standard room temperatures work well for succulents, about 65-75 degrees F. They can be placed outside during summer months but should be brought in during temperatures of 90 degrees or higher.
Watering
Succulents can survive without water for long periods of time. They should be watered thoroughly every 3-4 weeks. Make sure to let them fully dry in between waterings.
Light
Succulents thrive when they receive about 6 hours of bright indirect light daily. It is recommended to place succulents in an unobstructed south facing, or bright east/west facing windows as they often receive optimal light levels for succulents. Repotting/Fertilizing
Since succulents need to dry out fully, a well-draining potting mix is recommended. Your local garden center would have succulent and cactus specific soils to use. Fertilizers should be applied once a year in the early spring. Regular fertilizers should be diluted as they are too strong and can burn roots.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
Watering
Succulents can survive without water for long periods of time. They should be watered thoroughly every 3-4 weeks. Make sure to let them fully dry in between waterings.
Light
Succulents thrive when they receive about 6 hours of bright indirect light daily. It is recommended to place succulents in an unobstructed south facing, or bright east/west facing windows as they often receive optimal light levels for succulents. Repotting/Fertilizing
Since succulents need to dry out fully, a well-draining potting mix is recommended. Your local garden center would have succulent and cactus specific soils to use. Fertilizers should be applied once a year in the early spring. Regular fertilizers should be diluted as they are too strong and can burn roots.
Please contact us within two weeks of purchase if you have issues or concerns regarding your plant.
What is Your Return Policy?
Returns are accepted on a case by case basis. Please call us within two weeks of purchase.
What is Your Substitution Policy?
Due to supply chain shortages product is based on availability and is as approximate as pictured.
