Orchids have a certain mystique about them. Their elegant complexity inspires collectors and enthusiasts, but they can be intimidating for many plant lovers, because of their reputation of being difficult to care for. But adding an orchid to your garden or indoor plant collection doesn’t have to be a lofty, esoteric goal.
While orchids do require certain environmental elements in order to thrive, if you can provide or create the light, water, air, and soil conditions needed for orchid care, your orchid will rise to the challenge with you once established. Indoor orchids can last up to 15 years. Outdoors, orchids love humidity and sultry summer heat, but they need shade as well.
You can create a more humid spot for your orchid if summers are drier where you are. Once you learn how to care for an orchid, it doesn’t seem intimidating at all. In this article, we’ll tell you how to successfully introduce orchids to your garden or houseplant collection.
Orchid Care Indoors
The first thing to remember about orchid care indoors is that the orchid’s health is dependent on the same factors as your other indoor plants: soil, light, and water.
Soil
Good drainage is important in orchid care. Orchids are susceptible to root rot, so they need firm soil that still allows air to the roots. Orchid potting mix should contain bark, peat, perlite, and horticultural charcoal.
Light
The amount of light an orchid gets is important. Indirect light is ideal, preferably from an easy or west facing window. The color and texture of the leaves will indicate whether your orchid is getting the right amount of light. Too little light will turn the leaves stiff, and darker in color. With too much light, you’ll see a pink or red edge develop on the foliage.
As you look for a location with good light, be aware of other factors that could affect the orchid’s health. Check for anything nearby that could affect the temperature and humidity around the plant. Avoid placing it near heating vents or places susceptible to cold air and drafts.
Water
Proper watering will keep your orchid hydrated and help you prevent root rot. Orchids need watering once a week. Hydrate yours by running tepid water over the potting mix and roots, wait, and water a second time.
Check the roots to make sure they’re healthy and fully hydrated. The orchid’s roots will be pale green or dull silver or white when they’re properly hydrated. Allow the soil to drain, and place it back in its growing location. If needed, tip the plant’s container sideways to drain excess water.
Fertilizer
Orchids need fertilizer during their active growing period, from March through November. During those months, use an orchid fertilizer, and feed your orchid about once a month. Follow the directions for the fertilizer for the appropriate amount, as over fertilizing can result in excess leaf growth with no flowers.
Orchid Care Outdoors
The most common way to grow orchids outdoors is in pots, but they can be planted in the ground and in raised beds, depending on the weather and climate. Check local garden stores, or your local county extension office for advice on native orchids, or orchids that do well in your area.
Potted Orchid Care Outdoors
When moving your potted orchid outdoors for the summer, continue watering and fertilizing it just as you do indoors. The two most important factors to keeping your orchid thriving outdoors are humidity and shade. Find a spot in partial shade that will keep the orchid protected from wind and harsh weather.
If you live in an area that isn’t consistently humid, you can create a terrarium effect by grouping your orchids with other potted plants. Place it so that foliage and flowers from the other plants provide partial or dappled shade. The moisture from the other watered pots combined with a canopy of foliage will humidify the air around the orchid.
Planting Orchids in the Garden
Orchids are tropical, so the closer your climate is to the humid heat of the tropics, the happier your orchid will be. Don’t plant them until you’re sure you’ve had the last frost of the season. When temperatures are reliably above 55 °F, begin gradually exposing orchids to sunlight.
For the first week, place potted orchids where they’ll only receive 1-2 hours a day of morning and evening sun. Increase exposure in the second week to 3-4 hours a day. After 1-2 weeks, move it to where it gets sun before 10am and after 2pm. After a week or so, you can plant the orchid in the ground.
Remember, orchids need good drainage and enough air to the roots. Replace garden soil with a mix of equal parts sand, sphagnum, and gravel. Dig a large, deep hole, enough for at least a foot of this mixture under and around the plant.
Water your outdoor orchid every few days, following the same method of running tepid water over it in the sink for 15 seconds and letting it drain and dry before returning it. It’s important to do this in the morning. If you water the roots in the evening, they’ll stay wet overnight, which can cause mildew.
Avoid over-watering by checking the soil with your finger. If it feels wet, wait a day and check again.
Pesticide
Orchid care outdoors involves protecting them from garden pests. Make a homemade pesticide made with 1 quart of water, 2-3 drops of neem oil, and a drop of liquid dish soap. Spray orchids every three weeks, enough to cover. The rest can be used on your other outdoor plants. Discard any leftover pesticide and make it fresh every time you apply it.
Repotting Orchids
Like other plants, orchids need to be repotted when the orchid outgrows it’s container, or the roots start to die. The ideal time to repot your orchid is after it has bloomed, as new leaves are forming. The new pot should be just one size larger than the previous one.
Take the orchid out of the pot and separate the roots from the potting mix. If the mix won’t separate, soak roots in tepid water to loosen it. Hold the orchid I’ve the new pot, and fill in with fresh potting mix. Once the mix and the orchid are secure, water the orchid and soil.
Choosing an Orchid
If you’re choosing an orchid to plant outdoors, first look for orchids that are native to your area. Local garden centers and county extension offices can be extremely helpful. If the nights get cooler, below 60 °F, where you are, cymbidiums are a good choice. If summer temperatures stay consistently above 60 °F, consider vandas or cattleyas.
Since weather doesn’t affect your indoor orchid plants, you can be more flexible and creative in your choices.
Cattleya Orchids
These hybrids bloom in a variety of colors, often with freckles, streaks, and other bicolor patterns. They grow anywhere from 3 inches to two feet, depending on the species.The most popular Cattleyas are very fragrant.
Vanda Orchids
There are about 80 species of Vanda orchids. The showy flowers are fragrant, and especially long lasting. They do best in chunky potting mix, and prefer high light and humidity. They grow 1-3 feet.
Cymbidium Orchids
Also known as boat flowers, Cymbidium orchids produce multiple flower spikes for a dramatic display. Some popular options for beginners are Chica, a bright lime green bloom, or the yellow and red Showoff. Cymbidiums grow 1-4 feet tall.
Dendrobium Orchids
There are over 2,000 species of Dendrobium making it the most diverse orchid type. Their top-heavy flowers typically bloom in white, yellow, or purple hues. Dendrobiums range in height from 6 inches to 4 feet.
Epidendrum Orchids
Another large, diverse genus, Epidendrum contains over 1,000 varieties, and countless more hybrids. The flowers are small, and require lots of light. They range in height from 6 inches to 6 feet.
Ludisia Orchids
Also called the jewel orchid, this genus is striking in or out of bloom. The plentiful stems produce velvety green leaves and tiny white blooms that appear only once a year. They grow just 3-18 inches tall.
Miltonia Orchids
The flowers of Miltonia, also known as pansy orchids, bear a resemblance to their namesake, the pansy. The face-like markings and even the flower’s bloom shape are remarkably similar to pansies. Miltonias have a long blooming season, from late spring through summer.
More About Plant Care
Adding a new plant to your collection comes with a few challenges, but the satisfaction of successfully integrating the plant into your environment is unparalleled. If you enjoyed learning how to take care of an orchid, caring for monstera plants, another tropical plant that does well indoors. If you’re adding color to your garden this year, brush up on peony plant care.
Shopping for plants is a fun and rewarding task, whether visiting your local garden center or ordering plants for delivery. The Bouqs has a wide selection of potted plants, and of course, the freshest, longest lasting bouquets, all delivered directly from the farm to your door!
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