How to Maintain an Orchid

Place your orchid in a well-lit bathroom to increase humidity.

Orchids are among the easiest plants to maintain, provided they have a warm, humid environment with an abundance of indirect sunlight. They grow naturally in tropical regions by attaching themselves to trees, so they need a growing medium such as fir bark, peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Their preference for cozy indoor temperatures and low light makes them ideal for indoor growing.

Things You'll Need

• Tray
• Gravel
• Diluted fertilizer

Instructions

1. Place your orchid in a bright window, with sheer curtains to protect it from sunburn. Orchids typically prefer bright but indirect sunlight, though each orchid variety has slightly different lighting needs. For instance, the cattleya and dendrobium orchids prefer bright light but no midday sun, so a shaded south or west location would work, while the phalaenopsis can do with less light, such as at an east window with no direct sun.

2. Maintain a humidity level of 50 to 70 percent using a humidifier. Alternatively, place your orchid in a bathroom window where it can absorb the steam. Or set it on a tray filled with gravel and a small amount of water. Make sure the pot is not resting in the water.

3. Keep temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F during the day, with a 10 to 15 degree temperature drop each night. This helps the orchids blossom, as it resembles natural, outdoor conditions.

4. Water your orchid with warm water when the medium is completely dry, about once a week. Water thoroughly. Allow the water to drain out of the bottom of the pot and discard the excess water. Most orchids store water, making them drought-tolerant. However, phalaenopsis orchids cannot store water and their media should not be allowed to totally dry out. Water when the soil is slightly--but not completely--dry.

5. Fertilize during growing periods once a week with an orchid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 based on the growing medium. Use an even formula ratio, such as 20-20-20, if not growing in a bark medium or if your orchid is mounted. Apply fertilizer with extra nitrogen, such as 30-10-10, if your orchid's potting medium consists of tree bark. Flush with plain water once a month to rinse out accumulated fertilizer salts. Discontinue fertilizer when the orchid stops producing foliage growth after flowering.

6. Repot your orchid every other year or when it starts outgrowing its pot. Trim away dead roots when you transplant.

Tips & Warnings

• Never place your orchid near a vent or heater, as this can dry it out.

References

• University of Tennessee: Agricultural Extension Service: Growing Orchids in the Home
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Orchids
• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Growing Orchids in Havasu