How to Grow Orchids

Orchids are some of the most stunning flowers in the plant kingdom, known for their unique beauty, elegance, and remarkable diversity. With over 30,000 species and more than 200,000 hybrid varieties, orchids belong to one of the two most abundant plant families on Earth. They thrive both indoors and outdoors and are undeniably unique plants. However, they can be quite finicky for novice gardeners. Those interested in growing orchids must be prepared for both success and failure in propagating these delicate plants.

Select an orchid species. Some orchid species are easier to grow than others. Phalaenopsis, cymbidium, and slipper orchids are among the easiest to grow and are ideal for beginner gardeners or those just starting to cultivate orchids. With over 40,000 species of orchids—twice the number of bird species and four times the number of mammal species—there's an orchid for virtually every type of person.

• The most common orchids available are phalaenopsis, dendrobium, and cattleya. Phalaenopsis is especially popular with beginners, while the dendrobium genus includes about 1,200 species and is a classic epiphytic plant. Cattleya orchids are known for their long petals and unique lip structure.
• Each orchid species has its own requirements for ideal humidity, growing temperature, watering schedule, and light conditions. You can speak with nursery staff or visit a local orchid club to find out what conditions are best suited for the specific orchid species you're growing.

Choose the right type of soil for orchids. Some first-time orchid growers make the mistake of thinking orchids need to be planted in regular soil like other flowers, and end up choosing standard potting mix. However, this can kill the orchid. Most orchid roots require more air than soil can provide, but they still need something to cling to, so you should use a looser, well-aerated mix.

• Many growers use materials such as bark chips, sphagnum moss, coconut husk, charcoal, perlite, or even foam beads to create a growing medium, often combining them together. You can experiment with available airy, porous mixtures, or refer to expert formulas for specific blends.

Try using a potting mix or combining multiple mediums. For simplicity, you can mix two basic mediums that are suitable for most orchids. Be sure to moisten the mix and drain the water before using it for the best results.

• Create a fine-grain mixture, suitable for slipper orchids, most types of lady slipper orchids, Miltonia orchids, and other orchids with small roots that prefer high humidity:
  
  • 4 parts of finely ground pine bark or coconut husk
  • 1 part of finely ground charcoal
  • 1 part of perlite
• Mix a medium-grain mixture, suitable for cymbidium orchids, phalaenopsis, and other mature orchid varieties. If you’re unsure which mix to use, try the medium-grain mix before experimenting with fine-grain:
  
  • 4 parts of medium-ground pine bark or coconut husk
  • 1 part of medium-grain charcoal
  • 1 part of perlite

Choose a compact pot if your orchid isn’t large. Many orchids tend to grow roots that intertwine. It's best to select a slightly smaller pot with plenty of drainage holes. Avoid decorative pots, as the ceramic glaze can harm the plant. Keep in mind that overwatering is often the orchid's biggest enemy. Some species, like sword orchids, will need larger pots to accommodate their long root systems. The following types of pots can be used instead of traditional clay pots, which are popular among orchid growers:

• Wire mesh pots made from steel mesh to create an airy environment. These can be hung in sunny locations for more sunlight exposure.
• Clear plastic pots that allow sunlight to reach the roots. These pots help orchid growers check the roots without disturbing the plant.
• Wooden pots made of rot-resistant wood. You can line the pot with moss before adding the orchid mix.

Plant the orchid. Remove the orchid from its pot, cutting away any dead or rotting roots. If necessary, you can divide the root mass into sections before placing it in the new pot. Place the oldest roots at the bottom of the pot, with the newer roots closer to the sides of the pot. Gently fill the pot with the growing medium to cover the roots without overpacking them.

Know when to repot your orchid. Generally, you will need to repot your orchid every two years or when you notice that the lower leaves are wilting and dying. You may also need to repot if the orchid has outgrown its pot or if the roots are starting to deteriorate.

Provide the right temperature for your orchids. Most orchids come from tropical climates, which means they thrive in areas with fresh air, abundant sunlight, and up to 12 hours of daylight daily (all year round). The ideal temperature for orchids usually falls between 18-24°C (depending on the species).

• A drop in temperature at night by about 6°C can stimulate the orchid to produce new shoots, particularly during fall and winter.

Ensure the orchid gets enough sunlight, but not too much. Many orchids prefer indirect sunlight: direct sunlight can burn the plant, and too little light will prevent blooming. Place your orchid near a south or east-facing window. West-facing windows often get too much sun, while north-facing windows may not provide enough.

• Observe the leaves to determine if the orchid is receiving too much or too little light. Orchid leaves should be a light green with a yellowish tint. Dark green leaves indicate insufficient light, while yellow, brown, or reddish leaves suggest the plant is getting too much sunlight.
• Orchids that need low light (such as slipper orchids, phalaenopsis, and lady slipper orchids) will thrive with light from a north or east-facing window. Orchids requiring moderate to high light (such as cymbidium, dendrobium, and Vanda) prefer light from west or south-facing windows.
• Orchids prefer locations behind curtains or blinds. This allows the plant to receive ample light but filtered through the curtain for indirect exposure.

Water the orchid once a week. Orchids are more likely to die from overwatering than underwatering. Water the orchid about once a week, ensuring the soil dries out completely before watering again. During summer months, when the days are longer and warmer, the plant may require more frequent watering. Water the orchid for about 15 seconds, then place the pot on a gravel tray to allow the excess water to drain off.

Care for your orchid carefully. Orchids require more attention than typical houseplants. The thicker the leaves, the more water the orchid needs. If the orchid has large pseudobulbs, water it less. Orchids aren't particularly vigorous plants but are fairly drought-tolerant. As a reminder, orchids are better off dealing with some dryness than being overwatered.

Use fertilizer designed specifically for orchids, and avoid over-fertilizing. Typically, you should fertilize your orchids once a week with a diluted 20-10-20 fertilizer mix (at a concentration of ¼). After fertilizing, water the plant and repeat the process once a month to flush out any remaining fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can lead to root burn and difficulty blooming, while insufficient fertilization can halt the blooming process. Keep the plant in indirect sunlight until flower buds appear. Once the flower stalk reaches about 13 cm, you can support it by tying it to a stake.

Maintain high humidity. Orchids naturally thrive in humid environments, so it’s important to keep the humidity in the room where the orchid pot is placed (or wherever you grow orchids) at 50%-75%. This can be achieved by using a humidifier near the plant or placing a tray of pebbles with water next to the orchid.

Understand that each orchid species is unique. Every orchid variety has its own care requirements and rules. No two orchids are alike; each one requires a different environment in terms of temperature, light, and watering schedule. Therefore, when selecting an orchid variety to grow, you must adapt your care routine accordingly.