Frequently Asked Questions About How to Take Care of Orchids

Growing orchids isn’t as hard as many home horticulturalists think. These beautiful flowers may require different types of care than other terrestrial plants, but it’s easy to learn how to take care of orchids. Get started today by reading through the answers to some of novice orchid growers’ most frequently asked questions below.

What Are the Most Popular & Common Orchids I Can Grow?

There are over 20,000 different types of orchids. Some of them are harder to grow than others. Some of the most popular orchids of 2021 are:

Phalaenopsis orchids
Cattleya orchids
Vanda orchids
Paphiopedilum orchids
Miltonia orchids

Try one or more of these varieties, but don’t be afraid to experiment with others. There’s no such thing as too many orchids.

What Is the Best Kind of Fertilizer I Should Use?

Home horticulturalists should fertilize their orchids either weekly or monthly. It helps to promote reblooming. The best fertilizers are balanced houseplant brands that feature 20-20-20 NPK ratios.

What Is the Optimal Humidity Needed to Grow My Orchids?

Orchids thrive in humid environments. Modern climate control can create inhospitable humidity levels, but growers can combat this issue by misting their plants every day. The optimal humidity level for orchids is between 40% and 70% relative humidity (RH), so start misting if the RH drops below 40%.

What Type of Light Is Required to Grow My Orchids?

Orchids need a lot of light, but they prefer indirect light. When growing orchids indoors, place them near an east-facing or south-facing window. If the light is too strong, use a sheer curtain to diffuse it.

What Kind of Orchid Pots Should I Use?

The best pots for growing orchids have plenty of drainage holes. This feature helps to prevent problems with root rot. If the plant’s original pot doesn’t have adequate drainage, repot it as soon as possible.

What Is the Best Orchid Soil Mix?

Growers should only plant orchids in fast-draining soil mixes or growing media. Moss-based and bark-based potting mixes are the best options. Just keep in mind that bark-based mixes require more frequent watering to make up for faster drainage.

What Is the Best Temperature to Use When Growing My Orchids?

Most orchid varieties thrive in a 60 to 75o Fahrenheit temperature range. It’s fine to lower the temperature by around 10o at night, but make sure it stays within this range to promote optimal blooms.

How Should My Orchids Plant Be Watered?

Most orchids should be watered every few days. These plants are very susceptible to root rot, though, so it’s important to avoid overwatering. Keep in mind that moss-based potting mixes retain water better than bark-based alternatives. Orchids grown in this media will require less frequent watering, though they may still need to be misted to maintain optimal humidity.

How Should I Prune My Orchids?

Orchids only need to be pruned after their flowers have dried. Growers can remove old flower spikes by cutting the stem near its base. Don’t worry about ruining future blooms. It’s very rare for orchids to rebloom from the same stems.

Do I Repot My Orchids?

Most experts recommend repotting orchids in fresh growing media after each bloom cycle. Repotting gives the plants access to fresh nutrients and ensures proper drainage. Just make sure the new pot will also be able to drain properly.

The Bottom Line

Growing orchids indoors is one of the most satisfying hobbies around. Follow the advice above to keep orchids healthy, happy, and ready to produce big, beautiful blooms.