It can be difficult to encourage orchids to flower after winter, but there is a simple way to help them recover and bloom beautifully using a item you would normally throw away in the kitchen.
09:08, Mon, Jan 12, 2026 Updated: 09:08, Mon, Jan 12, 2026
Orchids can look unhealthy in winter after being exposed to cold and dry air (Image: Getty)
Orchids tend to become a little dry and droopy in January, but there is a simple way to help the plant recover so it grows much bigger flowers over the next few months. Winter can be difficult for tropical houseplants because they need high humidity to keep their leaves hydrated, and the constant use of radiators will remove moisture from the air.
Having a orchid sitting on a windowsill will also cause problems, as these areas are often drafty at this time of year and cold temperatures can put too much stress on the roots. If you leave orchids alone the dried out and cold air can harm flower spikes, and makes it more likely that any flowers that grow next year will be weaker and smaller. However, Jon, an expert from Brilliant Orchids, has shared you can help perk up an orchid by feeding it the right nutrients, you can easily get from leftover rice water.
A simple way to revive orchids and help them flower is with rice water (Image: Getty)
Jon said: “Brown rice water provides thiamin, niacin, folic acid, and riboflavin. Use left-over room temperature brown rice water to water in place of regular water.”
Rice water is not a fertiliser, but rather a gentle tonic that is rich in the minerals orchids need to recover after being exposed to a cold and dry environment over winter.
Leftover rice water will contain vitamin B which support healthy plant cells and will help orchids slowly begin to grow again.
It also contains magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential nutrients plants need to grow and will greatly help support the roots.
Healthy roots will help orchids store more energy so once they begin receiving enough light they will have a much healthier flower spike and are more likely to grow much bigger blooms.
Watering a orchid with rice water will help the plant begin growing healthier ro (Image: Getty)
How to use rice water to help orchids in late winter
All you need to do is to save the water leftover after cooking rice, but make sure it contains no salt, oil or seasonings.
Let the water cool completely then pour one part rice water and four parts tap water into a spray bottle or watering can.
Rice water contains a lot of starch, which will help plants but too much will clog up the soil and burn the roots.
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Diluting the rice water with normal tap water helps it flow freely and drain properly so there is no chance of starch building up in the plant pot.
Water orchids with the rice water mixture every four weeks, and you will have much healthier roots which will help the plant flower once it begins growing again in spring.