Potted Orchid Plants

Repot orchids every other year.

Orchid plants are elegant flowers with a sweet fragrance, adding a peaceful zen feeling to your home. They are ideal for gifts for loved ones. Caring for a potted orchid is essential to their success growing in your home. They do require certain growing conditions and care in order to flourish.

Container and Potting Medium

Select a container for your orchid plant that has slits down the sides or holes at the bottom in order for adequate drainage. Clay and plastic flower pots are ideal. If you place the orchid in a plastic flower pot, let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Orchid plants in clay pots will require more watering because the soil will dry out more frequently. Place a potting medium that is formulated for orchids, according the University of Tennessee Extension website. The potting medium contains fir bark, peat moss and perlite.

Location in the Home

Place the potted orchid in on windowsill or a table by the window facing south for it receive an abundant amount of sunlight. Position it so the leaves will not touch the glass, for this could cause them to burn. Clean the windows often so the plant will receive adequate light and dust the leaves regularly. Monitor the leaves to observe whether the potted orchid plant is receiving too much or not enough sun. The leaves will be light to medium green if they are receiving enough sun. If not, the leaves will be dark green. Move the orchid plant accordingly. You can place a sheer curtain over the window if it is receiving too much sun.

Provide Humidity

Orchid are successful in humid condition. They prefer a humidity range of 50 to 70 percent. Do not place an orchid near an air conditioner or heating vent. You could place a humidifier in the room with the potted orchid. A much simpler option to increase humidity is to set the potted orchid on a tray with that has a layer of gravel and water at the bottom so the bottom of the pot never touches the water

Water and Fertilizer

Water the potted orchid plant with lukewarm water in the kitchen sink early in the morning. Water for 15 seconds letting the water completely drain out for 15 minutes before placing back in on the windowsill. The soil should always be moist, so check frequently and water when the soil is dry but do not overwater. Fertilize once a week with an orchid fertilizer that is already diluted. Follow the directions for proper usage. You can also use a balanced-fertilizer (10-10-10) but only use one-fourth of the recommended amount on the manufacturer's label. Water the potted orchid first, sprinkle the fertilizer on top and water again. Only feed during the growing season. Do not feed while dormant.

References

• University of Tennessee Extension: Growing Orchids in the Home
• American Orchid Society: How do I Water my Orchid?
• American Orchid Society: How do I Feed my Orchid?