Orchids brighten up any indoor space. Their flowers are stunning and they come a variety of wonderful colors. It’s that which makes them so popular and beloved.
But caring for an orchid indoors can be a bit tricky. It’s easy to get things wrong and cause more harm than good.
So these 15 expert tips will help you to nurture your orchid and keep it thriving.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Light Requirements
Light is so important to orchids. They need a really good amount of bright but indirect light. Direct light will be too much and burn their leaves. Go the other way though and not give them enough and they won’t bloom or grow well.
- North or East facing Windows: Ideal for most orchids.
- South or West facing Windows: Try using a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
If where you are doesn’t have enough natural light then an artificial grow light can work well. LED grow lights give your orchid the full spectrum of light that it needs. So worth looking at if you don’t have any other options.
Temperature and Humidity
Orchids are tropical plants. So they are used to growing in warm and humid conditions. Which is what they still like even when they’re growing in our homes.
So use these few tips to keep your orchid happy:
- Daytime Temperature: 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C)
- Nighttime Temperature: 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C)
- Humidity: 50 to 70%
If your home is too dry, especially in the winter, a humidity tray or a small humidifier placed near your orchid can make all the difference. And see it thriving rather than struggling.
Watering Your Orchid
Getting the watering right is arguably the trickiest part of caring for an orchid. Overwatering is such a common mistake and one that can be fatal. It will often result in root rot which can kill your orchid.
So the following tips will help you get it right:
- Frequency: Water once a week during the growing season and reduce how often you’re doing it in the winter (orchids don’t need as much when it’s colder and darker).
- Method: Water thoroughly and let water drain out of the bottom. Never let your orchid sit in water.
- Water Quality: Try to use water that is room temperature. Too hot or too cold can upset your orchid. Rainwater or distilled water is best as tap water can be full of chemicals that can damage orchids.
Feeding Your Orchid
Orchids don’t need a huge amount of feeding but they do appreciate regular fertilizing during their growing season.
- Dilution: Use half the recommended strength. If you use the full amount it can burn the roots.
- Frequency: Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once a month in the fall and winter.
- Application: Apply the fertilizer after you’ve watered as you’re less likely to get root burn.
Repotting Your Orchid
Orchids need repotting every one to two years. If you leave it longer the potting medium might break down. When you repot you also give your orchid fresh nutrients.
Use these tips to repot your orchid the right way:
- :Choose the Right Time: Best done after the orchid has finished blooming.
- :Select a Pot: Use a pot that has good drainage. A clear pot lets you see what’s happening and keep an eye on the health of the roots.
- :Potting Medium: You’ll want to use a mix that is designed for orchids. It will usually contain things like bark, perlite and sphagnum moss.
- :Steps to Repot:
– Remove the orchid from its current pot and shake off the old medium.
– Trim any dead or rotting roots with scissors (make sure you sterilize them first).
– Put the orchid in the new pot and fill around it with fresh medium.
– Water lightly after repotting.
Pruning and Maintenance
Proper maintenance will keep your orchid healthy and also helps with it’s blooming.
- Pruning: After flowering cut the flower spike just above the node (a little, raised bump on the spike) to encourage a new spike.
- Cleaning: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or pests.
- Staking: Use stakes to support the spikes and to knee them upright.
Pest and Disease Management
Orchids can be affected by pests and diseases. If you’re careful, keep a close watch and give them the right care you can keep these sorts of issues at bay.
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider Mites
To stay on top of pests inspect your orchids regularly. If needed then treat any infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering. Make sure the pot has good drainage and airflow.
- Leaf Spot: Fungal or bacterial infection. Remove any affected leaves and improve the air circulation.
Encouraging Blooms
Getting your orchid to bloom can sometimes be challenging. These tips will help to encourage flowering:
- Temperature Drop: A slight drop in the temperature at night can trigger orchids to bloom.
- Light Adjustment: Make sure your orchid is getting enough light.
- Feeding: Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer (like 10-30-20) to encourage blooming.
Creative Orchid Displays
Orchids can be displayed in lots of really creative ways to show off how beautiful they are:
- Hanging Baskets: Perfect for species with that trail.
- Terrariums: You can create a mini jungle indoors.
- Mounted on Wood: This copies their natural habitat.
Orchid Varieties to Try
It’s a good idea to try out a few different species of orchids (and hybrids too) so you can find the one that fits your home perfectly.
Phalaenopsis Hybrids
Easy to care for and available in many colors.
Dendrobium Nobile
Well known fir having gorgeous blooms that have a wonderful scent.
Cattleya
Famous for large, colorful flowers and a lovely fragrance.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellow Leaves
Often a sign of overwatering or not enough light. Switch up how you’re caring for them.
Dropping Buds
Caused by fluctuations in temperature or low humidity. Stabilize the environment your orchid is in to fix this.
Wrinkled Leaves
A sign of dehydration. Increase your watering or the humidity.
Seasonal Orchid Care
You will need to adjust how you care for your orchid based on the season.
Spring and Summer
– Increase watering and fertilizing.
– Watch for pests.
Fall and Winter
– Reduce watering.
– Move to a brighter spot if needed.
Creating a Humidity Tray
A humidity tray is a good way to keep the moisture levels right for your orchid. Here’s how to make one:
- Materials: Shallow tray, pebbles, water.
- Steps:
1. Fill the tray with pebbles.
2. Add water until it’s just below the top of the pebbles.
3. Place the orchid pot on the pebbles making sure it’s not sitting in water.
Joining Orchid Societies and Forums
Joining an orchid society or online forum is a great place to get information you need about your or other orchids. And you will find a community of like minded enthusiasts:
Benefits:
– Access to rare species and hybrids.
– Expert advice and troubleshooting.
– Social events and plant swaps.
Final Thoughts
It can feel intimidating to care for an orchid at first. But with the tips here you should be all set to grow beautiful and healthy orchids indoors.
Quick Reference Table
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Yellowing Leaves | Check watering habits; ensure proper drainage. |
| No Blooms | Increase light; ensure temperature drop at night. |
| Root Rot | Repot with fresh medium; reduce watering. |
| Leaf Spots | Improve air circulation; avoid water on leaves. |
