Orchids are beautiful houseplants that come in vibrant colors and different species. And while they can instantly brighten any room, know how to care for an orchid and making it prosper can seem complicated.
However, you can grow a healthy orchid in the right conditions to keep it blooming and looking spectacular. Fortunately, we have gardening experts to share their best tips for growing orchids. Whether you’re planting from seed or purchasing an established plant, there are some essential things you can do to ensure more flowers.
So if you are an orchid enthusiast or have been gifted this beautiful plant, follow these top tips for growing orchids from expert florists.
1. Choose the right type of orchid and growing medium
Since there are about 200 species of orchids in North America (and more than 25,000 worldwide!), experts recommend choosing the type of orchid that’s right for you.
“If you’re new to growing orchids, it’s best to start with a beginner-friendly species,” says David Denyer, expert florist at eflorist. “Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), Cattleya orchids and paphiopedilum orchids are excellent choices as they are more tolerant and adapt well to home environments. When purchasing an orchid to plant or care for, be sure to choose one with healthy green leaves, firm roots, and no signs of pests or disease.”
Additionally, you should take note of the growing medium your orchid species needs. Growing medium is essentially a substrate or potting mix, a material other than soil that is used to grow plants.
“Terrestrial orchids, including paphiopedilums, grow in the soil, while most tropical orchids are epiphytes and grow in the air. For terrestrial orchids, opt for well-draining soil. For tropical epiphytic orchids, surround their roots with bark and sphagnum moss to ensure adequate aeration and drainage.”
2. ‘Sterilize’ the soil before planting seeds
If you want to try growing an orchid from seed, a good tip is to fertilize or “sterilize” the soil before planting orchid seeds. This will ensure that you have all the nutrients needed to boost healthy orchid growth.
“Before planting seeds, you should make sure they are sterilized, as this can help the plant germinate better,” says Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Dream about Gardeners. “Opt for a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20, which will help supply all the primary nutrients needed for your orchids to grow. Once you have prepared the soil, spread the seeds in an even, thin layer and gently rake the soil to cover the seeds.”
“When choosing a soil to plant your orchids in, opt for a more porous and loose mix, such as bark chips or sphagnum moss. This is because regular all-purpose soil tends to retain a lot of moisture, which can cause orchid roots to rot.”
3. Use plastic containers
While orchids may look attractive in decorative containers, this is not the best home to grow them. Additionally, most decorative containers often lack adequate drainage holes, which can easily encourage the development of overwatering and root rot.
“Over time, the orchid will need to be repotted, so using a plastic pot may be beneficial as the roots will be easier to detach,” suggests Denyer. “How often you need to repot them depends entirely on the orchid itself; They prefer not to be disturbed, so try to keep them in their pot as long as possible. Once your growing medium has started to break down or the orchid’s roots are coming out, it’s time to find a new home for your floral friend.”
“Nothing kills an orchid faster than letting it sit in a pot full of water; They tend to resist drought much better than an environment with excess humidity. For most orchids, watering them once a week will be enough.”
4. Get the right lighting
Orchids may need plenty of sunlight to thrive, but try not to expose them to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
“Like many plants, orchids thrive in light but not direct sunlight, so when you plant your orchid, be sure to place it in a location that is partially shaded but can still receive sunlight,” advises Wilson. “It’s a good idea to water these plants once every 7 to 11 days, when you’ll typically see the soil starting to dry out. However, overwatering can damage the plant and lead to the death of the orchid.”
Denyer also agrees: “It is best to place the orchid near a window facing east or south. Be careful about constantly exposing them to direct sunlight, because it can burn their leaves. In areas with limited natural light, you can also use supplemental lighting, such as LED grow lights; It is recommended to place them 6 to 12 inches above your plant.”
5. Pay attention to humidity levels.
Orchids prefer a warm, humid, constant temperature that matches their natural environment. However, you need to be aware of fluctuating humidity levels.
“Depending on the type of orchid you have, humidity can be a crucial factor in ensuring they grow well,” says Denyer. “Tropical orchids prefer humidity levels of 60 to 80 percent, so in the winter months it is worth investing in one of the best humidifiers. Alternatively, you can try spraying.”
It is generally best to keep these plants at a temperature between 70 and 80°F during the day and then a little cooler at night, around 65°F or higher.
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