How to Grow and Care for Orchids Indoors
| Common Name | Orchids, cane orchids, moth orchids |
| Botanical Name | Orchidaceae |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Mature Size | 12 in. to 16 in. tall |
What are orchid plants typical lifespan?
Lifespan of an Orchid. Orchid plants do not have a finite life span, but after 15 to 20 years, the plants will naturally become weaker, producing fewer blossoms. Plants have a natural immune system, and over time it becomes worn down by natural bacteria and fungi. Repot orchids regularly, once every two or three years, to prevent disease.
Are orchid plants poisonous to humans?
Orchids are not poisonous to humans, dogs, cats or horses. The orchid is officially known as the Phalaenopsis orchid and also goes by the names of moth orchid and moon orchid . While orchids are considered a safe and nontoxic plant, it is possible for reactions to still occur if a person is particularly sensitive.
Are carnations annuals or perinnials?
The carnation flower (Dianthus caryophyllus) is an herbaceous perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 9. In colder climates, it is often grown as an annual. The colorful blooms are a popular choice for gardens, borders and pots, and cut flowers brighten your home.
Are trees considered as perennial?
Trees and shrubs are considered woody or non-herbaceous perennials. They may lose their leaves in winter but remain very much alive in their roots right up through their stems, branches, and buds. Perennial trees and shrubs would be considered woody.
Do indoor orchids grow back?
Orchids will grow new stems, fortunately. You can propagate a new Phalaenopsis or Vanda orchids from stem cuttings. Or you can divide a cattleya's rhizomes. You can also expect a flower spike to grow back after cutting it down when its blooms die.
Do indoor orchids bloom all year?
They are perfect for indoors, since they can tolerate lower light. They do not like to stay dry for more than a day or two, especially when growing or blooming. Bloom season is winter and spring.
Do orchids come back year after year?
Many orchids bloom once per year, some twice or even more. Once in bloom some flowers last weeks or months while others can last only days. Some basic research about the type of orchid will identify what to expect. For example, Phalaenopsis orchids usually bloom once per year and the blooms can last for months.
How long do indoor orchids last?
With proper care, some dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchid stems can last 14 to 21 days,” said Tim Farrell, Teleflora education specialist and owner of Farrell's Florist in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. A well-cared-for phalaenopsis orchid (one of the most common types), can stay in bloom up to four months.
What do you do with an orchid after the blooms fall off?
Don't throw it away just yet. Here's how to properly take care of your orchids after they bloom....Post-bloom orchid careWater copiously whenever the potting material is dry.Give it ample amount of bright, indirect light.Fertilize weakly, weekly with a high-quality urea-free orchid fertilizer after watering sessions.
How do you get an orchid to bloom again?
0:472:47You basically take the orchid. And pour the water in the orchid let it completely drain out and youMoreYou basically take the orchid. And pour the water in the orchid let it completely drain out and you do that every seven to ten days. Really check the soil medium. Let. It get dry.
How do you keep orchids alive indoors?
Light. Keep orchids in a well-lit area, but not in direct sun or cold, drafty spots. ... Water. Most orchids should only be watered about once a week. ... Growing Media. Orchids need potting material that drains quickly while still retaining moisture. ... Fertilizer. ... Container. ... Repotting.
How do you take care of an indoor orchid plant?
Place a water-filled saucer or tray of pebbles beneath plants, mist plants daily, or use a humidifier. Fertilize orchids weekly or bi-weekly while they are producing new growth and decrease to monthly or bi-monthly intervals once they mature. Discontinue altogether once the plants go dormant.
How do you look after an orchid indoors?
0:112:28Use an orchid mist or pure spray a pure water spray I use baby bio orchid feedin mist spray theMoreUse an orchid mist or pure spray a pure water spray I use baby bio orchid feedin mist spray the leaves and any aerial roots two to three times a week make sure you don't spray the flowers.
How long can a potted orchid live?
In the wild, orchids are able to live about 20 years, depending on the type of orchid and the environment. Potted orchids do not have quite the same life span, but with proper care, it is not usual for orchids to live for between 10 to 15 years. There are some reports of orchids living for significantly longer.
How do you keep orchids blooming year round?
1:294:35Make sure the water is not too cold 4. Feeding equals growth. Absolutely all orchids needMoreMake sure the water is not too cold 4. Feeding equals growth. Absolutely all orchids need fertilizers.
How hot does it have to be for orchids to bloom?
While orchids tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures throughout their normal growing season, they need to be about 15 degrees (8 degrees C) cooler at night than during the day in order to bloom sufficiently.
How Do I Take Care of an Orchid Flower?
Care of indoor orchid plants is easy once you learn how to grow them properly. These interesting flowers can be found in a range of colors and sizes depending on the variety. They make excellent accent plantings to nearly any home décor. Orchids require little care once all their basic needs are met such as light, temperature, and humidity.
What is the best mix for orchids?
A basic mix for growing orchids consists of coarse perlite, fir bark, and sphagnum moss. You can also add charcoal but this is optional. Generally, the grade of bark is dependent on the type of orchid grown. For instance, phalaenopsis orchids are usually grown in coarse bark, cattleyas in medium bark, and young orchid plants are best grown in fine ...
What to do if orchids stop blooming?
If your orchids suddenly stop blooming but have suitable light, temperature, and humidity, then repotting may be necessary. Also, keep an eye out for signs of pests or disease. Orchids are occasionally affected by mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These can usually be washed off or treated with insecticidal soap.
How much humidity do orchids need?
Indoor orchid plants also need adequate humidity, about fifty to seventy percent. There are various ways to increase the humidity in your home. Place a water-filled saucer or tray of pebbles beneath plants, mist plants daily, or use a humidifier.
How often should I fertilize orchids?
Fertilize orchids weekly or bi-weekly while they are producing new growth and decrease to monthly or bi-monthly intervals once they mature. Discontinue altogether once the plants go dormant. Additional orchid care tips include repotting, which is normally done every other year.
Do orchids need light?
They make excellent accent plantings to nearly any home décor. Orchids require little care once all their basic needs are met such as light, temperature, and humidity.
How long do orchids bloom?
Provided your orchid is happy, expect the blooms to last at least a few weeks, sometimes more.
What is the color of orchid flowers?
Flowers are usually white, purple, pink, or some combination thereof. Dendrobium (also called cane orchids): These orchids have smaller flowers that grow in rows on stalks that arise from thick canes, often with several flower clusters per plant. Flowers are typically white or purple.
Why are my orchid leaves wrinkled?
Shriveled and wrinkled leaves indicate that the orchid is not getting enough water, even if it's being adequately watered. That may be because of unhealthy roots. Roots should appear plump and white or green. If roots are healthy, that means the plant is being underwatered. If roots are unhealthy, or there's a loss of roots, use a sterile, sharp cutting tool to eliminate bad roots, and repot in new medium.
Why are my orchid's leaves turning yellow?
Your orchid may be experiencing root rot which is turning the leaves yellow. Repot the plant in new medium.
How to tell if orchid is in distress?
If you see signs of distress, such as shriveled or yellowing leaves or dropping buds, move the plant and keep tweaking your conditions. Once an orchid finds a happy spot and falls into a routine, the plant should regularly throw out new roots and leaves or canes and reward you yearly with a beautiful bloom.
What is the name of the orchid with a round stem?
When it comes to the orchids that are most commonly available for purchase, the overwhelming majority are one of two varieties: Phalaenopsis (also called moth orchids): These orchids have round flowers with a pronounced lip that grow on a single tall stalk arising from a whorl of fleshy, oval leaves. Flowers are usually white, purple, pink, ...
How to anchor a plant in a pot?
Set the plant into the new pot and fill in around it with potting mixture. The plant should be firmly situated, but it will not be completely anchored. Eventually, new roots will grow through the potting mixture and attach to the pot itself, which will then anchor your plant.
What is the difference between orchids and house plants?
Temperature. Another difference between orchids and many houseplants is that in nature most orchids experience a big difference between day and night temperatures. Manipulating the temperature of the home so it will drop at least 10 degrees at night, especially in autumn and winter when many orchids initiate buds, ...
How to grow orchids in a window?
Where windows with adequate light are unavailable, consider cultivating orchids beneath artificial light. Four 4-foot-long fluorescent tubes placed 6 inches apart side by side should do the trick. Two shop-light fixtures with cool-white bulbs will suffice. Special grow lights, sold under various trade names, are considerably more expensive and extend the light spectrum. The grow lights may reap better results, although data on this are conflicting. Place plants 6 to 8 inches below the tubes. Put the lights on a timer set to operate the bulbs for 14 to 16 hours a day. Many orchids, such as phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums, will be content. Orchids requiring more light, such as vandas and cymbidiums, however, need natural sunlight or high-intensity discharge lights to bloom. A fluorescent fixture in a dimly lit window adds extra light to natural sunlight, too, and can mean the difference between flowers and no flowers. Orchids that do not flower often require more light.
Why are my orchids' leaves dark green?
Conversely, inadequate light prevents orchids from flowering, although they will grow. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. The lush, rich, dark green of most houseplants is not desirable in orchid leaves. Dark green leaves are attractive, but signal there is not enough light.
What temperature do orchids like?
Warm-growing orchids, such as phalaenopsis, sulk if temperatures drop much below 60 F. Intermediate growers, such as cattleyas, prefer winter nights around 55° F. Cool-growing orchids, including cymbidiums and odontoglossums, are accustomed to winter nights of 50 F. At the other extreme, most orchids perform poorly when exposed to temperatures ...
How to make orchids bloom?
Raising the humidity around orchids will result in better flowering. Some tricks to increase humidity: operate a humidifier near the plants ; place the pots on flat, black pebbles set in a tray in which water is added until it almost covers the stones ("Egg crate," which is the lattice-like plastic grid sold in hardware stores for suspension ceiling lights, is a good, more steady alternative to the pebbles.); group the orchids together; or cordon off the growing area with clear plastic (but continue to provide ventilation to prevent bacteria from becoming a problem).
How much light do orchids need?
Most orchids require plenty of light, preferably at least six hours a day. Many orchids can withstand more or less than the amount of recommended light, but providing more light enhances flowering potential. Conversely, inadequate light prevents orchids from flowering, although they will grow.
Can orchids grow in soil?
Unlike ferns, philodendrons, palms and Swedish ivy, orchids do not grow in soil. Potting an orchid in soil is actually one of the best ways to kill it. Most orchids in the wild are not rooted in the ground, but instead attach themselves by thick roots to the sides of trees and on branches.
How much sun do orchids need?
They need regular periods of drying alternated with heavy watering. Orchids do best in temperatures above 50 degrees but below 85 degrees.
What is the golden rule for orchids?
The golden rule for orchid success is to duplicate the plant's natural conditions as closely as possible. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or even stone.
How to anchor a plant in a pot?
Set the plant into the pot and fill in around it with potting mixture. The plant should be firmly situated, but it will not be completely anchored. Eventually, new roots will grow through the potting mixture and attach to the pot itself, thus anchoring your plant. Once it's re-potted, find a good spot.
Do store bought orchids grow in plastic pots?
The closer you can come to creating these conditions, the more success and better blooms you will have. Most store-bought orchids come packaged in cheap plastic pots with the roots packed in soaked moss. Obviously, this violates two of the main rules of successful growth.
Can a plant breathe if it has rot?
There is no air flow around the roots, and the roots are never given a chance to completely dry out. Thus, the plant cannot breathe and root rot is inevitable.
Do orchids absorb water?
Orchid roots are highly specialized organs designed to soak up water very quickly and breathe. They do not extract nutrients from the soil.
Why are orchids good indoor plants?
Certain species of orchids make great indoor plants because they are beautiful and they are low-maintenance. They also produce lovely flowers that add bright colors to your living space.
How long do orchids last?
Their fragrant flowers are big enough and are eye-catching, plus they last for weeks. And when you give them plenty of sunlight, they would rebloom rather quickly. Dendrobium Orchids. Dendrobiums are yet another easy-to-find and easy-to-grow orchid species.
Why do orchids like small pots?
This is because plastic pots make it easy for you to detach your orchid plants’ roots when you need to repot them. You may also want to get special orchid pots, which are different from the usual pots in that they have holes or slats on the side or have more holes at the bottom. These extra slats and holes ensure good aeration and drainage. Click here to learn more about orchid pots.
What orchids are easy to care for?
Cymbidium Orchids. Cymbidiums are easy-to-care-for orchids and are very popular as indoor houseplants. In early spring or winter, they would produce long-lasting blooms that are waxy and too pretty and perfect that they almost look like one of those plastic flowers. Oncidium or Dancing Lady Orchids.
How do sympodial orchids grow?
Sympodial orchids grow horizontally, according to the surface of their support. A plant will produce a series of new shoots from its old rhizome, with the leaves and the flowers forming at the top of these new shoots. Some of these orchids form pseudobulbs or swollen shoots that store nutrients and water.
What is the symmetry of orchids?
Zygomorphic or bilateral symmetry of flowers. When it comes to the symmetry of flowers, orchids are yoke-shaped and bilateral in that they can be divided into only two mirror-image halves by a single plane. Multiple resupinate flowers. Orchids produce many flowers that twist as they open.
How many species of orchids are there?
Orchids (Orchidaceae) are a diverse family of around 28,000 species of flowering plants distributed in more than 700 genera. Orchids are distinguished from other flowering plants through a unique set of characteristics, including: Zygomorphic or bilateral symmetry of flowers.
What is the best orchid to grow indoors?
What are the best orchids to grow indoors? Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Ludisia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Phaius, and Zygopetalums are the best orchids to grow indoors without many adaptations from the homeowner.
What is the number one indoor orchid?
1) Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid): the number one indoor grown Orchid. Phalaenopsis are by far the most sold indoor orchids on the market. These make perfect gifts for Mother’s Day, Valentines, birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions.
What is the best potting medium for paphiopedilums?
A good mixture for a potting medium would be four parts bark and one part perlite. This ensure the proper drainage that Paphiopedilums like and also ensure that the roots are always a little moist. You’re aiming at a medium that provides great drainage over anything else.
Where do Miltoniopsis orchids grow?
The Miltoniopsis Orchids (which look like little pansies) are grown naturally in the higher mountainous regions of the Andes, around Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, where it rains almost every single day.
How many different species of orchids are there?
With over 9,000 genera of orchids that have been scientifically catalogued, each with different species (around 30,000 different species) it’s a little hard to know which orchids will grow in our living room. The truth is, not all will.
Why won't my orchid bloom?
These fruit (others too, but these are the worst) will excrete a chemical gas called ethylene when they are near ripe. This is extremely toxic to the orchid and it won’t bloom. If you don’t want to keep the orchid in the kitchen, and prefer the living room, add a humidity tray under the orchid.
How to keep a cattleya indoors?
If you live in a hardiness zone of 10 to 12, you’re in the perfect spot for an outdoor Cattleya. Otherwise, keep in indoors with a low fan. Once the fan is on or it is outdoors, your humidity levels will drop.
How long do orchids live?
They get the nutrients and moisture they require from the rain and air in the tropics. Typically, orchids only bloom a few times a year, but the flowers can last up to 45 days. This depends on the type, but most orchid plants can live for decades with the right care.
Why are orchids good for a room?
If you want to transform your room and add elegance, an orchid bloom is a great option. It gives you vibrant colors that make the eyes pop. Orchids have a bad reputation, but they’re easy to maintain inside the house.
What is the name of the orchid that pops up in winter?
You’re most likely to encounter Cattleya, Cymbidium (boat orchids), Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis (moth orchids). Know the Orchid Bloom Cycle. You’re most likely to focus on the bloom cycle of an orchid because that’s the dramatic part. The blooms pop up once a year, and this often happens in winter.
How long does it take for orchids to bloom?
The blooms pop up once a year, and this often happens in winter. They can last many months, but 30 to 45 days is the average. Sometimes, an orchid can bloom again in the same year if you cut the last spike about ½ inch below its node. This requires you to monitor the plant for about three months.
What temperature should orchids be?
You should consider many factors when focused on the right temperature for your orchid. Typically, orchids don’t handle temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C) very well.
How much sunlight do orchids need?
Orchids tend to need at least six hours of daylight. However, they don’t like direct sunlight. This is a bit odd, and many people mistakenly set their orchids in a windowsill with the sun shining on it.
Why do people want orchids in their houses?
Many homeowners want them in their houses because they can remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air. Plus, they come in various colors. Most orchids grow naturally when they are anchored to a tree. They get the nutrients and moisture they require from the rain and air in the tropics.
What is the best way to water orchids?
Potting mix plays a huge role in how often you need to water orchids. Usually, orchids are potted in either sphagnum moss or bark chips, which both work well but need slightly different care. Moss acts like a sponge, soaking up water and taking a long time to dry out.
How to tell when it's time to water an orchid?
To tell if it's time for a watering, stick your finger in the potting mix, then pull it out and rub your fingers together. You should easily be able to feel if there's any moisture. If you don't feel any, it's time to water your orchid, and if your fingers feel moist, check again another day.
Why do orchids die?
The most common cause of death for orchids (and most houseplants) is usually overwatering. Instead of watering your plants on a strict schedule (every other day, or once a week, for example), pay attention to your orchid's needs and how much water it uses.
What is weed in gardening?
A weed can be any plant growing where you don't want it to, but there are some particularly weedy species to keep an eye out for. These aggressive plants choke out the garden plants you've worked so hard to grow. Use this handy guide to identify these weeds by appearance and know how to remove them safely. Read More .
Can you overwater an orchid?
Because it'll hang on to moisture for a while, you can wait longer between waterings, but moss is also less forgiving if you overwater your orchid. Bark doesn't hold much water and drains quickly, which makes it a good choice for orchids like Phalaenopsis and Cattleya that need to dry out between waterings.
Can orchids grow indoors?
Sure, they may require specialized potting mix and a certain amount of water to thrive, but this large, diverse group of plants includes many species that are easy to grow indoors.
Can orchids be planted in a window?
From a plant's perspective, houses usually have dim light, so you'll usually have better luck with orchid varieties that tolerate low light levels. East-facing windowsills are great spots for orchids; an unscreened south-facing window can be a little too bright and hot, but a sheer curtain can add just the right amount of filtering. You can also set the orchid back from the window by a few feet so it's not constantly in strong indirect light.
How often do orchids bloom?
There are around 28,000 orchid species, with the most popular type being the phalaenopsis or moth orchid. These varieties bloom once or twice a year, lasting between two and three months. The Oncidium and the dendrobium are other popular varieties of orchids, which also bloom once or twice a year. Their flowers last just a little over a month.
What is the best temperature for orchids?
Habitat also plays a role in orchids classification, including preferences for light, moisture, and temperature levels. Tropical orchids, such as paphiopedilum and phalaenopsis, prefer 80% to 90% humidity with temperatures of 73° to 85°F. They are also at their happiest when placed in a southeast or east window away from harsh light.
How much sunlight do orchids need?
Generally, orchids love light and need 12 to 14 hours of sunlight every day, all year-round. For tropical environments, the natural light’s intensity and duration don’t vary as much as in temperate climates. If you live in a mild climate, move your orchids around during winter and consider using artificial grow lights.
Why do pansy orchids get misted?
It loves to get misted daily to keep from drying out but be careful not to get it too wet. The orchid’s health will start to decline if it becomes too wet or too dry.
What is the most beautiful flower?
Orchidaceae, better known as Orchids, are some of the most beautiful flowers in the world. They have earned their reputation through their beautiful, crisp colors and long-lasting bloom. Unfortunately, many people believe that indoor orchid care is exceptionally challenging.
Can orchids be hybrids?
Orchids can create hybrids between related genera and between species, unlike other animals and plants. This flexibility means an indefinite amount of combinations, and it’s why most orchids have highly complex names given to them.
Can orchids be re-potted?
Generally speaking, orchids are at their happiest inside a small pot. Plastic pots are the preferred choice for re-potting, as the roots are easier to detach. To make sure your orchid has efficient drainage, you can fill the pot’s bottom with foam peanuts. Suspend your orchid over the pot and gradually fill it with fir bank chunks or another growing medium.
