Orchids are some of the most stunning plants you can add to your home or garden. But they can be intimidating to care fo. And if you don’t know what you’re doing it’s also easy to get it wrong.
Thankfully with a bit of knowledge you can have them thriving. And that’s what these easy to follow tips will do – help you master the art of caring for orchids.
1. Choose the Right Orchid
There are over 25,000 species of orchids so picking the right one is key. Some are easier to care for than others. For beginners it’s probably best to starting with the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), which is more forgiving and readily available.
- Phalaenopsis: Great for beginners, available in various colors and has long-lasting blooms. They are relatively easy to care for and can bloom for several months.
- Cattleya: Known for their large, fragrant flowers. They need more light than Phalaenopsis and can be a bit more challenging to care for but the rewards are worth it.
- Dendrobium: These have a wide range of growing conditions and can be very rewarding. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any collection.
2. Understand Your Orchid’s Natural Habitat
Most orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants rather than in soil. Mimic their natural habitat to keep them happy. This usually involves providing good air circulation and humidity.
For example, Phalaenopsis orchids naturally grow on tree trunks in warm, humid environments. Recreating this at home means keeping them in a well-ventilated spot with high humidity. You can achieve this by using a humidity tray or a room humidifier.
3. Light Requirements
Orchids need the right amount of light to thrive. Too much light can scorch the leaves while too little can prevent blooming.
Light Needs by Orchid Type
| Orchid Type | Light Requirement |
|---|---|
| Phalaenopsis | Low to medium, indirect light. They do well in north or east-facing windows. |
| Cattleya | Bright, indirect light. They thrive in south or west-facing windows with sheer curtains to filter the light. |
| Dendrobium | Medium to bright, indirect light. They can handle a bit more direct light than Phalaenopsis but still prefer filtered sunlight. |
If your orchid’s leaves are dark green it may not be getting enough light. Conversely yellowish leaves can indicate too much light. Adjust their location accordingly.
4. Watering Your Orchids
Watering is a common challenge when looking after orchids. The key is to avoid overwatering and make sure they have proper drainage. Here’s a general guideline:
- Phalaenopsis: Water once a week allowing the potting mix to dry out between waterings. They don’t like to sit in water so make sure the pot has good drainage.
- Cattleya: Water every 7-10 days. They prefer to dry out completely before the next watering. During the growing season you might need to water more frequently.
- Dendrobium: Water every 5-7 days during growth periods, less frequently when not actively growing. These orchids can store water in their pseudobulbs so they are more tolerant of drought.
When watering it’s best to use room temperature water. Avoid using softened water as it can contain salts that are harmful to orchids. Rainwater or distilled water is ideal.
5. Humidity Levels
Orchids thrive in higher humidity levels, typically between 50-70%. If you live in a dry climate you may need to increase the humidity around your orchids.
- Use a humidity tray: Place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles under your orchids. The evaporation will create a more humid environment.
- Mist your orchids: Lightly misting the leaves can help, but avoid overdoing it as this can lead to fungal problems.
- Group your plants: Placing orchids close together can naturally raise the humidity. They release moisture into the air which creates a microenvironment.
- Room humidifier: If you have several orchids or other humidity-loving plants investing in a room humidifier can be very beneficial.
6. Potting Medium
Orchids typically grow in a bark-based mix rather than regular potting soil. This allows for better drainage and aeration.
- Phalaenopsis: Use a mix of bark, sphagnum moss and perlite. This provides a good balance of moisture retention and drainage.
- Cattleya: A medium to large bark mix works well. They prefer a more open mix that allows their roots to breathe.
- Dendrobium: A mix of bark and charcoal is suitable. The charcoal helps to keep the mix sweet and free of fungi.
Avoid using regular potting soil as it retains too much moisture and can lead to root rot. If you need to you can also add some tree fern or coconut husk to the mix for additional aeration.
7. Repotting Orchids
Repotting orchids should be done every 1-2 years to refresh the potting mix and provide more room for growth. Here’s how:
- Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one. Clear plastic pots are great because they let you see the roots and monitor moisture levels.
- Carefully remove the orchid from its pot, gently loosening the roots. If the roots are tightly bound you may need to cut the pot away to avoid damaging them.
- Trim any dead or rotting roots. Healthy roots are firm and white with green tips, while dead roots are brown and mushy.
- Place the orchid in the new pot and fill it with fresh potting mix. Make sure the base of the plant is just above the potting mix level to avoid crown rot.
After repotting avoid watering for a week to allow any damaged roots to heal and reduce the risk of rot.
8. Feeding Your Orchids
Orchids need regular feeding during their growing season, usually from spring to early fall. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks.
- Phalaenopsis: Feed every 2 weeks during growth monthly during rest periods. They benefit from a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- Cattleya: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growth. They respond well to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to encourage blooming.
- Dendrobium: Feed every 2 weeks during active growth, less during dormancy. Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and a balanced one during the rest of the year.
Flush the potting mix with clear water once a month to remove any fertilizer salts that can build up and damage the roots.
9. Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning helps keep orchids healthy and encourages new growth. Remove dead or dying flowers and trim any unhealthy roots or leaves.
- Use sterilized scissors or pruners to avoid spreading disease. Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a flame.
- Trim back flower spikes once blooming has finished to encourage new spikes. Cut just above a node (a small bump on the spike) to potentially stimulate a new bloom.
- Remove any yellow or blackened leaves to prevent the spread of disease. Always cut at the base of the leaf stem.
10. Pest Control
Orchids can fall victim to pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Here are some tips for keeping them at bay:
- Inspect your orchids regularly for signs of pests. Look under leaves and around the roots.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations. Apply as directed and ensure the plant is thoroughly covered.
- Keep the environment clean and remove any fallen leaves or debris that can harbor pests. Regular cleaning and removing old plant material can prevent infestations.
- Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to naturally control pest populations.
Final Thoughts
Caring for orchids can seem daunting at first. But with these tips you’ll be well on your way to growing some beautiful and healthy orchids.
Just remember that each type of orchid has its unique needs. So being familiar with and understanding these will help you provide the best care.
