Cattleya, Cymbidium, Cypripedium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Phragmipedium, Vanda, Zygopetalum
Orchids are among the most diverse and widespread families of flowering plants, known scientifically as Orchidaceae. With over 25,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrids, orchids are celebrated for their intricate and often fragrant flowers, which come in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are popular both as houseplants and in gardens, admired for their beauty and the challenge they pose to growers.
Orchids are an extraordinarily diverse family of plants, with species ranging from tiny, almost microscopic varieties to large, showy blooms that can span several inches across.
Found on every continent except Antarctica, orchids thrive in various climates, from lush tropical rainforests to temperate regions.
Their growth habits are broadly categorized into three types: epiphytic, terrestrial, and lithophytic. Each is adapted to different environmental conditions.
Epiphytic orchids grow on trees and other plants, deriving moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris around them. They are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Approximately 70% to 80% of all orchid species are epiphytic. Examples: Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids), Cattleya (Orsage Orchids), and Vanda.
Care: They require bright, indirect light, high humidity, and good air circulation. Watering should mimic natural rainfall, allowing the roots to dry slightly between waterings.
Terrestrial orchids grow in the ground, rooted in soil or a soil-like substrate. They are typically found in various environments, from forests to grasslands, and are more common in temperate regions. Around 20% to 25% of orchids are terrestrial. Examples: Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids), Cypripedium (Lady’s Slipper Orchids), and Bletilla (Hardy Orchids).
Care: They need well-draining soil and regular watering. These orchids usually prefer lower light levels compared to epiphytes and can tolerate more shade.
These orchids grow on rocks or in crevices with minimal soil. They often adapt to harsher conditions where other plants may not thrive, absorbing nutrients from mosses, lichens, and organic matter on the rock surfaces. Lithophytic orchids represent a smaller group, making up about 5% to 10% of orchid species. Examples: Some species of Dendrobium and Laelia.
Care: They require bright light and excellent drainage. Similar to epiphytes, they prefer to dry out between waterings and benefit from high humidity.
Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but this isn’t always true. While some species are challenging and require specific conditions, many popular types, like Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), are relatively easy to care for with the right knowledge. Key factors include providing proper light, humidity, watering, and ensuring good air circulation.
With a bit of attention to these needs, many orchids can thrive and even rebloom.
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
|---|---|
| Plant Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cattleya, Cymbidium, Cypripedium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Phragmipedium, Vanda, Zygopetalum |
Light: Cattleya orchids require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate direct sunlight, especially in the morning, but should be protected from intense midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. A south or east-facing window is ideal.
Temperature: Cattleyas prefer warm temperatures during the day, typically between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), and cooler nights, around 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C). These temperature fluctuations are important for triggering blooming.
Water: Water the orchid thoroughly when the potting medium is almost dry but not completely dried out. Watering in the morning is best, allowing excess water to drain completely. Never let the plant sit in water, which can lead to root rot. Water more frequently during the growing season, reducing the frequency during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
Humidity: Cattleyas thrive in moderate humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%.
Light: Cymbidiums need bright light, with some shading during the midday sun to prevent leaf burn. In cooler climates, they can tolerate full sun, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Proper light is essential for initiating blooming.
Temperature: Cymbidiums thrive in temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day in summer, with cooler night temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) in late summer and autumn to trigger flower spikes. Winter temperatures should be 45-55°F (7-12°C) at night and 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day. Miniature cymbidiums can tolerate slightly higher temperatures.
Water: During their active growing season in spring and summer, cymbidiums require frequent, heavy watering to keep the potting medium evenly moist. As fall approaches, reduce watering, and in winter, keep the medium barely moist to avoid root rot.
Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, particularly during winter if the plant is in bud. In dry indoor environments, placing the plant on a tray of damp pebbles can help maintain adequate humidity levels around the plant.
Light: Lady’s slipper orchids thrive in bright shade or dappled sunlight, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. They enjoy morning sun but should be protected from the harsh midday sun, making filtered afternoon light or a location on the north side of a building ideal.
Soil: These orchids prefer well-draining, aerated soil rich in organic matter. Plant them in raised beds with a mix of sand, loam, or leaf-based compost to create a fertile, leafy, and humus-rich environment. Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Water: Maintain consistent moisture during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but never soggy. After flowering, reduce watering as the plants enter dormancy. Avoid excessive moisture during this period to prevent shoot rot.
Light: Dendrobium orchids require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate some direct morning sunlight but should be protected from intense midday sun, which can scorch their leaves.
Temperature: Dendrobiums prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. They can tolerate cooler nights, especially in autumn, to help induce flowering.
Water: Water Dendrobium orchids regularly during the growing season, allowing the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. During dormancy, reduce watering to prevent root rot, letting the medium dry out more between waterings.
Humidity: Dendrobiums thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. To increase humidity, place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles or use a humidifier, especially in dry indoor environments.
Light: Masdevallia orchids thrive in bright, filtered light indoors or part shade if grown outdoors. In the home, place them near an east-facing window, a shaded south window, or under artificial lights for optimal growth.
Temperature: These orchids prefer cool to intermediate temperatures, with nighttime temperatures between 55-60°F (13-16°C) and daytime temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Water: Masdevallia orchids require a consistently moist growing medium but should never be waterlogged. Allow the roots to nearly dry out before re-watering. Use rainwater, distilled water, or another very pure water source, as high-quality water is essential for their success.
Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 50-65% throughout the year. To achieve this, place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles and ensure good air circulation at all times to prevent fungal issues.
Light: Miltoniopsis orchids thrive in shady conditions with medium to low light levels, avoiding direct sunlight.
Temperature: These orchids prefer intermediate temperatures, with nighttime temperatures between 60-64°F (16-18°C) and daytime temperatures ranging from 73-77°F (23-25°C).
Water: Miltoniopsis orchids require consistent moisture during growth, with a medium that is always moist but not waterlogged. Insufficient water or humidity can cause accordion-like pleats in the leaves. Reduce watering during resting periods, but never allow the medium to dry out completely.
Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels of 70-80% throughout the year. Place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles to help achieve this, ensuring the surrounding air remains moist.
Light: Depending on the species, Oncidiums require bright light to nearly full sun. They thrive with several hours of sunlight each day, making east, south, or west-facing windows ideal. Many Oncidiums also adapt well to artificial lighting.
Temperature: Oncidiums are intermediate to warm-growing orchids, requiring nighttime temperatures of 55-60°F (13-16°C) and daytime temperatures of 80-85°F (26-30°C).
Water: During the growing season, water every few days, allowing the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during winter to once a month or less.
Humidity: Oncidiums prefer humidity levels of 30-60%
Light: Paphiopedilums, or Slipper Orchids, thrive in low-light conditions similar to their natural forest floor habitats. In summer, keep them in a shaded position to protect from direct sunlight, and move them to a brighter, unshaded spot in winter. An east or west-facing window or a shaded south window is ideal.
Temperature: Warm-growing types prefer nighttime temperatures of 60-65°F (15-18°C) and daytime temperatures of 75-85°F (23-29°C). Cool-growing types thrive at 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night and 75-80°F (23-26°C) during the day.
Water: Paphiopedilums lack water-storing pseudobulbs, so they require a consistently moist medium. Water once or twice a week in spring and summer, allowing the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, but avoid letting the medium dry out completely.
Humidity:
Maintain humidity levels between 40-50% year-round by placing the container on a tray of damp pebbles. Avoid misting the plant directly, as excess moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch. Ideal near east or west-facing windows for morning or late afternoon sun. Adequate light is essential for blooming.
Temperature: Requires nighttime temperatures of 61-66°F (16-19°C) and daytime temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C). A cooler period of 55°F (13°C) in fall can help initiate flower spikes.
Water: Keep the medium consistently moist but never soggy. When the potting medium feels dry, water thoroughly with room-temperature rainwater or distilled water. Water in the morning, taking care to avoid the crown and leaves to prevent rot.
Humidity: Maintain 50-80% humidity by placing the plant on a tray of gravel with water below the pot. Ensure good air circulation to avoid fungal issues.
Light: Phragmipedium orchids need more light than Phalaenopsis or Paphiopedilum and can tolerate light to moderate shade. East or south-facing windows are ideal, with good air circulation.
Temperature: These orchids prefer intermediate temperatures, with nighttime temperatures around 55°F (13°C) and daytime temperatures up to 85°F (29°C).
Water: Keep the medium consistently moist, but not soggy. Use rainwater, distilled water, or low-salt city water. Flush the medium thoroughly with each watering to prevent salt buildup.
Humidity: Maintain 50-70% humidity by placing the plant on a tray of damp pebbles, ensuring the pot doesn’t sit directly in water.
Light: Vanda orchids require very bright light with some partial shade during midday in summer. Ensure strong air movement. Leaves should be medium green; dark green indicates insufficient light.
Temperature: Optimal temperatures range from 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night to 95°F (35°C) during the day. Warm, humid days are ideal for growth, with a minimum recommended night temperature of 55°F (13°C).
Water: Water heavily during active growth, ensuring roots dry quickly. Vandas are typically grown in slatted-wood baskets or coarse potting medium. Water sparingly in winter or during cloudy weather.
Humidity: Maintain 80% humidity by placing the plant on a tray of gravel partially filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in water.
Light: Provide fairly bright light to light shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Dark green leaves indicate insufficient light, while yellow leaves suggest too much sun. Ensure good air circulation year-round.
Temperature: These orchids thrive with daytime temperatures between 70-80°F (21-26°C) and night temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C).
Water: Keep the potting medium evenly moist, avoiding soggy conditions. Water more frequently during active growth in warmer months, and reduce watering in cooler, dormant periods.
Humidity: Maintain 40-60% humidity by placing the orchid on a tray of damp pebbles, ensuring adequate moisture in the air.
Arunee Rodloy/Shutterstock
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
|---|---|
| Plant Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cattleya, Cymbidium, Cypripedium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Phragmipedium, Vanda, Zygopetalum |
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