Six Tips for Outstanding Orchids

Growing orchids in your home is not difficult (it’s actually quite simple,) but it’s different than growing regular house plants. As with any new hobby, there are a few basics you should understand to help you avoid the common mistakes of beginners and get the full enjoyment of the beauty and fragrances of these hardy plants. Here are six basic tips to get you started.

1. Choose Carefully
   Start off on the right foot by bringing home a winner. Don’t let price be your purchase motivator. Oftentimes you’ll find inexpensive orchids on sale only to find out later that the plants are sickly. The likelihood of diagnosing the particular problem of a sickly orchid and nursing it back to health is pretty slim. Avoid the hassle by checking the plant well before you buy it. Make sure there are no marks on the leaf tops and check the underside of the leaves to ensure there are no insects. Holding a leaf at the top and shaking the plant is a good way to check if the orchid is firmly rooted in its pot.

2. Water Well (Don’t over- or under-water and test your water quality)
   One big mistake that many orchid growers make is to overwater their plants. Since the plant’s potting material doesn’t retain water for very long, concerned owners may keep adding water when they notice that the soil looks dry on top. Follow these steps to determine when you should water your orchids: Give your plant a good, thorough watering. Let the water soak in and let the soil surface dry. Stick your finger into the soil, about a half inch from the surface to see if it’s damp at that depth. Then lift your plant’s pot and gauge how heavy it is. This is the ideal weight for your orchid media when properly moist. When your orchid feels much lighter than this ideal weight, you know it’s time to give it another good watering. This method is much easier and more accurate than watering on a schedule.

   Many orchid owners, in not wanting to fall into the ‘overwatering’ trap, may go to the other extreme and underwater their plants. Use the same method as above of sticking your finger into the pot to see that the media is damp no deeper than half-inch below the surface; if it’s dry at that level and the pot feels light, then it’s time to water again. You can also check the plant’s roots by turning over your pot and gingerly tapping it until the orchid and media is released from the pot. If the roots are dry and light brown, then your orchid needs more water.

   In general, orchids grow well with regular household tap water. If you find that your plants aren’t thriving, it’s a good idea to get your water tested. A high salt or mineral content isn’t good for your orchids. You also have to consider if the water is alkaline or acid – alkaline water can be bad for your orchids.

3. Go easy with Light and Heat
   Since orchids usually grow in rainforests or forested areas, they are used to light that’s filtered through a canopy of tree cover, or diffused light. To check if your current light source is too bright, place your hand over your plant and under the light source — If there’s a sharp shadow line showing around your hand, it means your orchid is getting too much light. Avoid exposing your orchids to direct, intense light by giving them at least 50% shade cover. Do this by using shades, window blinds, a mesh cover, or by moving them away from the window during sunny days.

   It’s safe to say that you shouldn’t keep your orchids in temperatures that exceed 82F (28C) during the day. If you are too hot, chances are your orchid is too hot also. Take your cue from your own comfort level – a 65 to 75F room would usually be ideal for your plants. Another way to find out if your orchid is overheating would be to touch the plant’s leaves – If they are hot, move your orchid to a shadier area with better air circulation.

4. Bugs are Bad
   Orchids generally don’t get a lot of pests but when they do, the pests can cause serious damage. When you purchase your orchid, check the underside of the leaves for any pests like aphids, mealy bugs or scale. Plain, warm water, or even a dilute soapy solution is effective for washing off aphids and mealy bugs. For severe infestations or treating scale, consult with your local garden center for the best treatment.

5. Keep them Cool and Ventilated
   In nature, orchids are used to a lot of natural wind. Indoors, where the air is still, your orchid may develop black spots and other diseases on its leaves caused by virus and bacteria. Ensure your orchid is well ventilated through the use of oscillating fans. Overhead ceiling fans are also good because they move the air around at a slower pace.

   Another way your orchid can catch infection and diseases is by leaving your orchid’s foliage wet overnight. Always water early in the day so that your orchid’s foliage has time to dry by late afternoon. At night, when it’s cooler and air is still, wet leaves becomes the perfect breeding ground for infection. If you find that the leaves in the center of the plant are still wet at night, use a soft cloth to blot up the extra moisture in the leaf junctions.

6. Feed with Care
   Many orchid owners really believe that fertilizer is a magic elixir. Remember that fertilizer is made up of salts, and like any salt, adding too much can dehydrate your plant. You only need to fertilize when the plants are actively growing during spring and summer. Don’t fertilize at all during the winter when growth is dormant. A good rule to remember is: It’s always better to under-fertilize than it is to over-fertilize.

Growing orchids indoors is not difficult if you follow a few basic rules, and the payoff in beautiful blooms and fragrances makes it well worth the effort.