Orchids are some of the most commonly grown houseplants. Provided they have
proper growing conditions, it isn’t difficult to learn how to take care of
orchid plants.
Most orchids require moist, well-draining conditions. There are several types of
growing media that can be used with orchid plants—redwood or fir bark, sphagnum
peat moss, rocks, cork, charcoal, sand, potting soil, etc. A basic mix for
growing orchids consists of coarse perlite, fir bark, and sphagnum moss. You can
also add charcoal but this is optional. Generally, the grade of bark is
dependent on the type of orchid grown. For instance, phalaenopsis orchids are
usually grown in coarse bark, cattleyas in medium bark, and young orchid plants
are best grown in fine bark.
Orchids require shallow planting. Place orchids in
an east to south-facing window or room. These plants prefer bright, indirect
light. Insufficient light results in poor flowering. However, too much light can
lead to leaf scorch.
Temperature is also important for indoor orchid care. While
orchids tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures throughout their normal growing
season, they need to be about 15 degrees (8 degrees C) cooler at night than
during the day in order to bloom sufficiently.
Indoor Orchid Care Tips Orchids need ample water but should be allowed to dry out some between waterings. One
way to check for watering is by poking your finger about an inch (2.5 cm.) into
the growing media. If it’s dry, give it some water; otherwise, let it be. Indoor
orchid plants also need adequate humidity, about fifty to seventy percent. There
are various ways to increase the humidity in your home. Place a water-filled
saucer or tray of pebbles beneath plants, mist plants daily, or use a
humidifier.
Fertilize orchids weekly or bi-weekly while they are producing new
growth and decrease to monthly or bi-monthly intervals once they mature.
Discontinue altogether once the plants go dormant. Additional orchid care tips
include repotting, which is normally done every other year. If your orchids
suddenly stop blooming but have suitable light, temperature, and humidity, then
repotting may be necessary.
