Edith Hejberg
One home gardener learned this the hard way, losing orchid after orchid despite otherwise having a green thumb.
Orchids are celebrated for their elegant blooms, but many owners unknowingly shorten their plants’ lifespan by keeping them in the wrong spot. The mistake? Placing them next to a fruit bowl.
Why Kitchens Can Be Risky for Orchids
Kitchens may seem ideal for tropical plants thanks to the extra humidity from cooking. However, they can also house one of the orchid’s greatest enemie, ripe fruit. Bananas, in particular, are the biggest culprit, silently harming plants without owners realising it.
The Hidden Threat: Ethylene Gas
Fruit such as bananas, apples, avocados, pears, peaches, and melons naturally produce ethylene gas, which helps them ripen.
While harmless to humans, this invisible gas can damage sensitive plants like orchids, causing blooms to fade quickly and leaves to wilt.
How Ethylene Affects Orchid Health
When exposed to ethylene, orchids tend to produce smaller flowers, lose petals prematurely, and eventually die.
Even a small amount of gas in the air can have an impact, making the kitchen a hazardous environment if fruit is kept nearby.
Learning the Hard Way
After accidentally killing three orchids, the author discovered the issue when visiting a friend who deliberately removed her fruit bowl before tending to her plants.
This simple habit was the missing piece in keeping orchids alive.
Bananas: The Worst Offender
While all fruit produces some ethylene, bananas emit a particularly high amount. That means even a short stay near a fruit bowl can trigger an orchid’s decline.
The safest bet is to keep orchids in a completely separate room from any ripening produce.
Choosing the Best Spot for Orchids
Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Since they grow naturally on rainforest floors, they prefer filtered sunlight rather than the harsh rays of a windowsill.
East- and south-facing windows are ideal, especially during the gentler morning hours.
A New Approach Pays Off
Determined to try again, the author placed a fresh orchid on a small table in her bedroom, away from fruit and direct sun.
Eight weeks later, it was still thriving, her healthiest orchid yet.
Extra Tips for Orchid Longevity
Aside from avoiding ethylene, owners should ensure orchids are not overwatered, avoid placing them in extreme temperatures, and keep them in a stable environment with good airflow.
Gentle care and the right location make all the difference.
