How to Grow Maui Orchids

Even though people commonly refer to Maui Orchids as though they are a particular kind of orchid, Maui Orchid actually refers to a number of different species of orchids that are native to Maui. These beautiful tropical plants have varying needs when it comes to light, soil, and water. By following basic guidelines for orchid growth, Maui orchids will thrive when their individual needs are met.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fir bark
• Perlite
• Water soluble fertilizer
• Plant pots/baskets

Moth Orchids

1. Grow moth orchids in a bright window with diffused light. An east window is an ideal location for this plant.

2. Maintain a night time temperature of 60 to 65 degrees and a day time temperature of 75 to 85 degrees.

3. Use medium fir bark and perlite mixed to a ratio of 4 parts bark and 1 part perlite.

4. Water thoroughly and allow growing medium to dry before watering again. It is best to water at 7 to 10 day intervals. Water in the morning to allow potting mixture to dry during the day.

5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 10 to 14 days during growing season and less frequently during winter months.

6. Maintain humidity of 60 to 80 percent.

Vanda

7. Grow Vanda in a bright south facing window.

8. Maintain a temperature of 60 to 75 degrees at night and 85 to 95 during the day.

9. Start small Vanda in a potting medium of fir bark in a small basket. As the orchid grows, repot by placing the basket inside a larger basket, but to do not add any growing medium.

10. Water frequently and fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at 10 to 14 day intervals.

11. Maintain humidity of 70 to 80 percent and provide plenty of air circulation. Use a small fan to increase air circulation in the area if needed.

Cattleya (Corsage Orchids)

12. Grow Cattleya in bright light in an east window or in a west or southern window that receives filtered light.

13. Maintain temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees during night time hours and 70 to 100 degrees during the daytime.

14. Water after the roots have thoroughly dried out.

15. Maintain humidity of at least 60 percent.

16. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season and less frequently during winter months.

17. Use large fir bark mixed with perlite in a ratio of 4 to 1 as a potting medium. Repot after 2 years.

Tips & Warnings

• A general rule to follow with orchids is to provide plenty of room for roots, maintain a humidity between 60 and 80 percent, maintain daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees and provide adequate air circulation.
• To increase humidity, place humidity trays in your growing area. Make sure to keep an adequate supply of water in the trays.
• A small fan will increase air circulation.
• Most orchids require filtered light. Placing them in direct sunlight will cause leaves to yellow and die and inhibit production.