Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Epidemium, Ludisia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis,
Despite their reputation for being difficult, many orchids can be easily grown as houseplants. Most have been bred to be compact and easy to grow and flower on window sills and under artificial light. Without requiring much care, they can bloom every year or even several times per year.
Orchids belong to one of the two largest plant families (Orchidaceae), including about 900 genera and 25,000 species. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are, however, predominantly found in the tropics.
Orchids are incredibly beautiful. Aside from their beauty, some orchids exude a wonderful fragrance. Their scent can leave an impression greater than the orchid itself.
Unlike other houseplants, orchids do not grow in soil. Potting an orchid in the soil is the best way to kill it. Most orchids in the wild are epiphytic – they grow on trees, attaching themselves by thick roots to the sides of the trees or on their branches. They absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain and whatever drips down the tree. They must survive for weeks, if not months, without rainfall, hoarding water in thick leaves, stems, and roots.
Here are some popular orchids to try. Fairly easy to grow, they are good choices for novice and experienced growers.
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
|---|---|
| Plant Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Miltoniopsis |
Home orchids are grown in pots filled with chips of bark, stones, tree fern, or some other loosely packed material, which keeps their roots well-aerated and allows water to drain quickly.
Water your orchid thoroughly, usually about once a week, then allow it to dry slightly before watering again. Never let your orchid sit in a water-logged pot.
Orchids are usually classified as warm growing, intermediate, and cool growing, regarding their temperature needs. The minimum night temperatures define the limits. Warm-growing orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, require a night minimum of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Intermediate growers like Cattleyas prefer winter nights around 55-65°F (13-18°C). Cool-growing orchids, such as Cymbidiums, are used to winter nights of 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Whatever the temperature range, there must be a day-lift in temperature of 10°F (5°C). Reducing the home temperature so it will drop at least 10°F (5°C) at night, especially in autumn and winter when many orchids initiate buds, will induce the orchids to set flower buds more readily.
Most orchids require plenty of light, preferably at least six hours a day. Southern- and eastern-facing windows work best for orchids.
The leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. If a plant is grown in too much shade, the leaves become dark green and luxuriant, but the plant may be leggy and not bloom. In too bright light, the leaves may scorch, be small, and yellow-green. A grassy green color means the plant is receiving sufficient light to bloom.
To keep your orchid healthy and blooming, apply a weak solution of 20-10-20 fertilizer once a week. Water with plain water each month to flush out any accumulated fertilizer salts. Dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter the strength recommended on the package. Switch to a blossom-booster fertilizer in the fall, when many orchids initiate flower buds.
Maintain adequate humidity (50%) for most of the year. Placing the plants in a tray of damp pebbles is ideal in the home.
Whether you grow your orchid on your windowsill or under lights in your basement, here are great types of orchids you might want to try as houseplants. Because these orchids are fairly easy to grow, they are good choices for novice and experienced growers alike.
Nadya So/Shutterstock
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
|---|---|
| Plant Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Miltoniopsis |
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