Orchids (Orchidaceae) are one of the most popular indoor plants with stunning blooms during the blooming season and vibrant green foliage year-round. Plants can live for up to 15 years with proper care, and although they are known to be difficult to care for, we have all the tips to help keep your orchid happy and thriving on schedule.
The most important thing when choosing an orchid is to choose the type that suits your home conditions as some thrive in lower or brighter light conditions and varying temperatures. Choosing the type that best suits your environment is key to achieving beautiful orchid blooms and growing success.
Related: Learn how to care for Pilea, Calathea, Fiddleleaf Fig, Golden Pothos, Snake Plants, Rubber Trees, Monstera Plants, Christmas Cactus, and String of Pearls Plants.
How often should I water orchids?
Overwatering is a common mistake in orchid care. Your orchids don’t like to stay in wet water, so after you’ve given them a good watering, let them dry out most of the way before watering them again. You can check the moisture level by placing your finger in the plant at the soil line and once the top few inches of soil feel dry, you can water it again.
If you do not allow the plant to dry out completely, it can lead to root rot if the soil is too wet and this can kill the plant. It is best to water early in the day so the plant has time to dry out before dark. You’ll also need to make sure no water remains in the crown or leaf joints of the plant after watering, so tilt the plant to the side over the sink to allow any trapped water to flow out.
Although more orchids are killed by overwatering than underwater, too little water can lead to “accordion growth,” where the leaves grow in accordion-like folds.
Containers with drainage holes are essential for keeping orchids happy because they will allow excess water to drain from the bottom, so be sure to shake out any excess water left in the saucer after watering.
How much sunlight do orchids need?
Most orchids enjoy bright, indirect light, so keep them near a sunny area but out of direct sunlight (south- or east-facing windows are best).
It is a good idea to check the light needs of the species you are purchasing as some enjoy brighter or less light situations. Insufficient light is often what prevents orchids from blooming, so paying attention to your variety’s needs is key.
Popular High-Light Orchids: Vanda, Cymbidium, Cattleya, Epidendrum, Dendrobium, and Brassavola orchids all enjoy more light.
Popular Medium Light Orchids: Cattleya, dendrobium, phalaenopsis, paphiobidium and oncidium can thrive in medium light environments.
Popular Low Light Orchids: Phalaenopsis, Miltonia, Paphiopedilum, Oncidium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Bulbophyllum and Encyclia all enjoy low light situations.
Should I fertilize my orchid plant?
For optimal growth, you can use an all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength or follow the instructions on your orchid fertilizer once a week during the growing season (spring and summer). You can stop feeding your plant in the winter while plant growth slows, but overall the fertilizer should increase the health and beauty of your plant.
Temperature and humidity for orchids
Preferred temperatures vary for different types of orchids, but the best for orchids is between 50 degrees and 90 degrees. They prefer humidity levels of about 40% to 70%.
Orchids are generally happy indoors, but keep them away from vents or cold drafts to reduce heat shock. If you live in USDA zones 5-11, you can keep your orchids outside. Just be sure to bring them when nighttime temperatures drop below 55 degrees.
Since orchids enjoy higher humidity, you can use a nearby humidifier (especially if the air is dry) or you can put some pebbles and water in a tray and then place the pot on top. Simply add water just below the top of the gravel and the pot will sit on top of the stones and the water in the tray will evaporate, creating moisture around the plant.
Since orchid temperature preferences range from one species to another, your plant will fall into one of the following categories:
Cool: 60-70 degrees during the day and 50-55 degrees at night. Average: 70-80 degrees during the day and 55-65 degrees at night. Warm: 80-90 degrees during the day and 65-70 degrees at night.
Tip: Because orchids enjoy higher humidity, orchids will bloom longer when the weather is warm and humid, so the bathroom can also be a good place for orchids provided there is enough light there.
Orchid pruning
Different types of orchids require slightly different pruning methods, but generally pruning will give the plant more energy to spend on its flowers.
With all pruning, be sure to use clean, sterilized pruning shears or shears to make the cut, and remove empty flowers after the bloom cycle or a wilted stem as needed so the plant can refocus that energy to make new flowers.
Replant orchid plants
You will always need to wait until the orchid has finished flowering before replanting it. Because they are epiphytes (meaning they are a plant that grows on top of another plant), orchids in particular do not want their soil to be soggy, so you need to make sure you have the right soil for your orchid mix.
When choosing soil for your orchid, you will need a lightweight, fast-draining soil to avoid root rot, so it is usually a combination of elements such as bark, sphagnum moss, charcoal, perlite and peat that makes up your particular orchid soil mix. Orchids will do better with this type of soil that promotes good drainage than a standard potting mix (and be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away).
To replant an orchid:
Soak the roots in water for 10 minutes as this will soften the roots and they will be more flexible as you replant them. Carefully remove the orchid from its old packaging and snip off any dead or wilted leaves and flowers with a sterilized cutting tool. Place the orchid in a new, slightly larger pot and fill the empty space with the new orchid potting medium. Water the plant as needed and give it adequate light until the roots are established. If the plant is drooping, you can stake it on a stake to keep it upright as it gets stronger.
The best pot options for orchids are:
Transparent Plastic Pots: The advantage of a transparent pot is that the orchid roots can participate in photosynthesis with the incoming light and you can see the roots and the amount of water remaining in the pot as the soil is darker when it is wet and lighter when it is dry outside. Clay Pots: The clay that makes up clay pots is more breathable than glazed ceramic pots, so the soil dries faster. Orchid Pots: These unique pots have small holes or slits on the side to promote airflow and keep roots moist.
Orchid reproduction
Because orchids are difficult to grow from seed, division is the best way to propagate orchids.
Carefully remove the orchid from its current pot. Inspect the roots and remove any that do not appear full and healthy using a sterilized cutting tool. Carefully separate the roots to divide the orchid into two plants and place each in a new pot with fresh orchid soil. Water the plants as needed and give them adequate light until the roots are established. If the plants are drooping, you can secure them to a stake to keep them upright as they get stronger.
How do I make my orchids thrive?
Although this varies between species, most orchids bloom at least once a year and the gorgeous flowers last anywhere from 2 to 4 months.
Water is very important in your orchid blooming. If your orchid is not blooming, try watering it more often in the spring or in the season right before bloom time. There are also some varieties like the Phalaenopsis orchid that require a drop in the nighttime temperature to encourage flowering, so if nights are warmer than 55 degrees, you can put them outside for a few nights to enjoy the cool air.
In general, with proper care for your orchid with proper watering, temperature, humidity, fertilizer, and orchid-friendly soil, you should enjoy annual blooms and beautiful green foliage in the off-season.
Different varieties of orchids
You have plenty to choose from when it comes to orchids as there are 30,000 wild species and over 100,000 hybrid species. Not all of these species are available from your local florist, but the most popular houseplants are:
Corsage Orchids (Cattleya): These orchids are native to Costa Rica and are often used in corsages for special occasions. They are also referred to as the “Queen of Orchids” and come in a large variety of colors and shapes. Vanda Orchid (Vanda spp.): Native to Southeast Asia, this orchid enjoys greater humidity and a higher light point in your home. They can enjoy the summer outside before going inside for the winter. Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium): The stunning yellow flowers of this variety look like a dancer twirling in a skirt. In addition to their stunning appearance, some varieties also have a flower with a very fragrant sweet scent. Boat orchids (Cymbidium): These plants are known for their large, long-lasting flowers. They have multiple flower spikes for more blooms and are among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world and have been cultivated in China for thousands of years. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis): Often called the “beginner orchid,” these orchids are among the easiest to grow, and have thick leaves, long-flowering flowers, and single-stemmed flowers with thick, oval leaves. The flowers are often pink, white, purple, or a combination of all three colors. Cane Orchids (Dendrobium): From Southeast Asia, these orchids are very popular and are one of the largest groups. They are divided into two groups, hard-stick and soft-stick, and usually have purple or white flowers.
Diagnose common problems
Drooping or yellowing leaves: Orchids can suffer from yellowing of leaves when they become waterlogged due to overwatering. Try to let the plant dry out almost completely before watering it again. This can also be a cause of leaf drop, but sometimes this is also a sign that your plant needs a place with brighter light. Pests: Orchids aren’t susceptible to many insects, but if your plant is invaded by spider mites, fungus gnats, aphids, mealybugs, scale, thrips or whiteflies, keep some neem oil or some insecticidal soap on hand to control pests. . Falling buds: If your orchid is dropping buds before the plants flower, you’ll have to do some detective work to find out if the plant is near a draft, has died or is underwater, needs more moisture, or is near Of fruit. Which releases ethylene gas. Wrinkled Leaves: Leaves that appear wrinkled or wilted are usually a sign that the plant is underwater, so give your plant a drink and check the water levels frequently so you’re not waiting for the plant to dry out for a while before watering it again.
Frequently asked questions
Are orchids toxic to pets or humans?
Orchids are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, but they can cause mild stomach discomfort if eaten in large quantities.
