How To Grow and Care for Orchids

While orchids may seem delicate, with the right care, these beautiful tropical flowers can thrive in your home. This guide will walk you through how to grow and care for orchids, from watering techniques to creating the ideal environment. In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook visits a tropical botanic garden to learn expert tips on caring for orchids as houseplants.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Types of Orchids

Orchids are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other plants or objects rather than in soil. In their natural habitat, they often cling to tree bark or rocks, absorbing nutrients and moisture from the air and rain. There are thousands of orchid species, but some are more commonly grown as houseplants. Here are some of the most common:

• Cattleya: Known for their large, showy flowers
• Dendrobium: Produces long-lasting blooms
• Oncidium: Features sprays of small, delicate flowers
• Paphiopedilum (Slipper orchid): Recognized by their pouch-like blooms
• Phalaenopsis (Moth orchid): The most popular and easiest to grow indoors

Orchid Growing Media

Unlike traditional houseplants, orchids don’t grow in soil. Instead, they require a special growing medium that provides support and allows for proper air circulation and drainage. Common orchid media include:

• Coconut husk chips
• Diatomite
• Fir bark
• Mixtures of these materials
• Perlite
• Sphagnum moss

Essential Care for Orchids

Orchids prefer a specific environment that you must recreate for these flowers to thrive indoors. Essential care focuses on five key areas—watering, fertilizing, ventilation, light, and temperature.

Watering Techniques

Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and plant death. To avoid this, follow these watering methods:

• Use a humidity tray: Fill a tray with pebbles and add water just below the pebble surface. Place the orchid pot on top to increase humidity without risking overwatering.
• Soak and drain method: Hold the plant over a sink and thoroughly water it until water drains from the bottom. Allow all excess water to drain before returning the plant to its spot.
• Weekly watering schedule: Give orchids a thorough watering no more than once a week. When in doubt, wait an extra day before watering.

Fertilizing Orchids

Proper nutrition is necessary for healthy growth and blooming. Follow these guidelines for fertilizing:

• Apply fertilizer the day after watering to avoid burning the roots.
• During the growing season, increase fertilization frequency to encourage growth.
• Follow a “weekly, weakly” rule. Use a weak solution of fertilizer once a week.
• Use a balanced orchid fertilizer.

Ventilation and Air Circulation

Orchids do best in environments with good air movement. To ensure proper ventilation, follow these tips.

• Avoid crowding orchids together. Leave enough space between plants for air to circulate freely.
• Place plants on tables or shelves with openings to allow air to flow underneath.
• Use electric fans to circulate air around your orchids.

Light Requirements

Different orchid species have varying light needs, but most prefer bright, indirect light.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
• Gradually move plants to brighter spots if they’re not blooming.
• Rotate plants regularly to ensure even light exposure.
• Use sheer curtains to filter strong sunlight.

Temperature Considerations

Orchids are more likely to bloom when there’s only a 10-degree change between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Here are temperature considerations to keep in mind:

• Allow nighttime temperatures to drop slightly to encourage blooming.
• Avoid placing orchids near drafty windows or heating/cooling vents.
• Keep most orchids between 60°F and 80°F during the day.
• Maintain a 10-degree difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Encouraging Orchid Blooms

To encourage lateral growth and new flower spikes on your orchids, especially Phalaenopsis, follow these steps.

1. Count up from the bottom of the flower spike to the fourth node.
2. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut just above this node.
3. Wait until all old blooms have faded.

Repotting Orchids

Most orchids benefit from repotting every one to two years. Signs that it’s time to report include decomposing growing media, declining plant health, or roots growing out of the pot.

Because orchids need adequate drainage and ventilation, select a pot with drainage holes and side vents. Plastic pots are ideal for moisture-loving orchids like Phalaenopsis. Another option is clay pots with side vents. These provide excellent drainage and airflow for most other orchid types.

When you need to repot your orchid, follow these steps:

1. Remove the orchid from its current pot.
2. Gently remove old growing media from the roots.
3. Place the orchid in its new pot.
4. Trim any dead or rotting roots with sterilized scissors.
5. Fill with fresh orchid-specific growing media.
6. Water lightly to settle the media around the roots.

Common Issues Surrounding Orchids

Even with proper care, orchids can sometimes face challenges. Here are common issues and their solutions.

• Yellowing leaves: This is often caused by overwatering or poor draining. You can solve this issue by adjusting your watering schedule and checking for proper drainage.
• Failure to bloom: Insufficient light or lack of temperature variation can discourage new blooms. However, you can solve this by gradually increasing light exposure and providing a cooler nighttime environment.
• Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage often leads to root rot. You can mitigate this by removing affecting roots, repotting in fresh media, and adjusting watering practices.
• Pest infestations: Orchids can attract pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. To manage infestations, isolate the affected plants, manually remove pests, and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.

Additional Tips for Orchid Care

For those new to orchid care or looking to refine their techniques, here are a few more tips.

Humidity and Orchids

Orchids naturally thrive in humid environments, which is often different from typical home conditions. To maintain the ideal humidity levels:

• Use a room humidifier near your orchids.
• Place a humidity tray with water near your orchids.
• Mist your orchids regularly, but avoid misting the flowers directly.

Selecting the Right Orchid for Your Home

When selecting orchids for your home, consider the following:

• Lighting conditions in your home: Some orchids need more light than others, so choose accordingly.
• Care requirements: Different orchid species have varying care needs, so select one that fits your lifestyle.
• Space: Ensure you have enough space to accommodate the orchid and allow for proper air circulation.

Seasonal Care Adjustments

Orchid care can vary with the seasons. During winter months, when indoor air tends to be drier due to heating systems, monitor humidity levels closely, make sure orchids are away from direct heat sources like radiators, and adjust watering frequency as needed. Spring and summer may require increased watering and fertilizing as orchids enter their active growing phase.

Our Conclusion

The secret to growing orchids indoors is by providing everything they require in their natural environment. Orchids flourish in a humid, tropical environment, but by providing the right balance of water, light, and care, you can grow orchids in your home year-round. 

Essential Tool