Orchids are some of the most commonly grown houseplants. Provided they have proper growing conditions, it isn’t difficult to learn how to take care of orchid plants. Keep reading to get some orchid care tips.
Most orchids require moist, well-draining conditions. Place orchids in an east to south-facing window or room. These plants prefer bright, indirect light. Insufficient light results in poor flowering. However, too much light can lead to leaf scorch. Temperature is also important for orchid care. While orchids tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures throughout their normal growing season, they need cooler temperatures at night than during the day in order to bloom sufficiently.
Many people make the mistake of assuming that since orchids are native to tropical rainforests, they must be watered several times a week. Unfortunately, watering this frequently will kill the roots of any orchid in short order. The classic advice is to water the day before the plant dries out. For most orchids grown in the home this meanss to water every 5 to 12 days, depending on the type of orchid, the temperature the plant is grown in, and the time of year. During the warm summer months when days are long, more frequent watering is required than in the cooler, shorter days of winter.
There are three basic types of orchids, as far as watering is concerned: those that should be kept evenly moist at all times; those that should be allowed to nearly dry out between waterings, except when in active growth; and those that should always be allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. The guidelines below list the major varieties of orchid in each type.
Varieties to keep evenly moist (not soggy or wet) at all times:
Paphiopedilum, Miltonia, Cymbidium, Odontoglossum,
Varieties to keep evenly moist during active growth, allowed to dry out between waterings when not:
Cattleya, Oncidium, Brassia, Dendrobium.
Varieties to keep nearly dry between waterings:
Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Ascocenda.
With some extra attention you can succeed to let the orchid bloom again. With all the different varieties of orchids there isn’t one definitive description. Different types of orchids do not all need the same care.
Click on your orchid in the menu on the right for specific care tips for your orchid.
Below some general care tips to make your orchid happy:
Orchids love :
- a light spot
- room temperatures of min. 15 to max. 25 ° C
- nutrition once a month
Orchids do not like:
- wet feet
- draft
- full and direct sunlight
- central heating or stove nearby
Tips for watering:
- For 5 to 10 minutes, once a week, immerse the pot of the orchid in the water. Then let the orchid leak out thoroughly.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. They grow on tree branches and in rock crevices, often near streams and rivers. The Phalaenopsis is the most sold orchid in Europe and is available in many colors. The plants usually give two or three branches. The Phalaenopsis orchid has an exotic appearance and a long flowering period; sometimes up to twelve weeks or more which makes it an ideal house plant.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis Grandiflora has very large flowers and is a real eye-catcher. The Grandiflora has its origins in Southeast Asia, the Himalayas and the Philippines. With a very long flowering period, sometimes up to twelve weeks, the Grandiflora is a stunner for every home or office.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. The Phalaenopsis Multiflora has a lot of small flowers and has a long flowering period, sometimes up to twelve weeks. Except in trees, this orchid also grows in the wild on highly air permeable soil, such as humus and on rocks and in rock crevices, usually close to rivers and streams. The plants usually give two or three branches.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. They grow on tree branches and in rock crevices, often near streams and rivers. The Phalaenopsis Tiny Dolls ownes its name to the small size: the plant is only 20 to 25 centimeters high and the flowers are 2.5 centimeters wide. These cute orchids remain small, even if they start to bloom again. The Tiny Dolls has been developed over the past ten years through an intensive cultivation program. With proper care, the Tiny Dolls will flower for eight to twelve weeks. It is available in many different colors.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. They grow on tree branches and in rock crevices, often near streams and rivers. The Phalaenopsis is the most sold orchid in Europe and is available in many colors. The plants usually give two or three branches. The Phalaenopsis orchid has an exotic appearance and a long flowering period; sometimes up to twelve weeks or more which makes it an ideal house plant.
The Paphiopedilum is by far one of the most unique and intriguing of all orchids. Its exotic, wax-like, richly colored blooms last for weeks and sometimes months. The Paphiopedilum comes from Asia and Central America. She grows between rocks and under trees to protect herself from the sun. The shoe-shaped lip serves as an insect trap; flying insects are lured by fragrances and the promise of nectar in the flower. Once in the lip, the insects can only exit through a narrow opening. This way they hit the pistil and the stamens and they get the pollen on their bodies. With a next flower, the pollen ends up on the pestle. Paphiopedilums have no attractive, glossy leaves. But after these leaves are fully formed, the flower stalk rises from the centre of the new growth to form one of the most unusual flowers in the world. Best of all, they are ideal for home growing.
Oncidium orchids, also known as the “Dancing Ladies” are very popular for ease of growing and long lasting sprays of small, distinct flowers with bright colors. The Oncidium, with 750 species, is one of the largest orchid families. This plant comes from the American continent – from Florida and Mexico to Peru and Argentina. The Oncidium does not need much and is easy to flower. The plant blooms on average for six to eight weeks. They will typically bloom once a year and can be grown in the home, as well as in a sheltered area in the garden.
The popularity of the Miltonia orchid is increasing rapidly, thanks in part to the development of methods at our growers that can produce plants in greater quantities. The Miltonia can be found along the river banks in Colombia and Brazil. Some striking features of the Miltonia are the bright colors. Some species spread a wonderful smell. The Miltonia is available in many colors: white, pink, red and purple. Because of the familiar shape and markings of these spectacular flowers, Miltonia are often called ‘Pansy Orchids.’ Their richly colored flowers blossom profusely. Miltonia orchids can easily be cultured at home or in a greenhouse. They normally bloom in the spring or fall.
The Dendrobium Berry Oda is also known as the ‘Bamboo orchid’, because it has many branches. The name Dendrobium stands for tree (dendron) and life (bios). It is a reference to the way the plants grow: on the trunks of trees. The Berry Oda is originally from Australia. What is striking about this type of Dendrobium are the beautiful purple flowers, the wonderfully light scent that it spreads and the large number of branches. The flowering period is unique. The plant starts to bloom in November and flowers, provided you take good care of the plant, with ease until the end of May.
Sheer beginners will love Dendrobium Nobile orchids. The name Dendrobium stands for tree (dendron) and life (bios). It is a reference to the way the plants grow: on the trunks of trees. The Dendrobium Nobile comes from South East Asia, the Himalayan region, Malaysia, South China and Japan. The Dendrobium Nobile differs from the other orchids by the bunch of flowers that form under each leaf. Each bunch has three to five flowers. In total they can have up to 50 blooms on one stalk, making for a stunning floral display. Dendrobium Nobile flowers for at least eight weeks. The flowers, especially in the morning, spread a light fragrance. The color varies from entirely white, yellow, orange, pink, purple and combinations thereof. These hybrids go dormant for a couple of months in the winter, losing some of their leaves in the process. The Cameleon growers have perfected the Nobile hybrids so closely that they can even cause them to bloom for any requested holiday. If you’re looking for an orchid with lots of helpful information available about it, this is the one to choose.
Brassias also know as spider orchids are simply spectacular. They come in various shades of green with variable darker markings on the petals and lip. With dark green leaves and oval pseudo bulbs, the flowers are sweetly scented. Brassias are mostly spring or summer flowering. The Brassia is easy to get in bloom again and does well in the windowsill.