Orchids add beauty and visual interest to their environment both indoors
and outdoors. 

Plus, they’re versatile: some varieties thrive outdoors, while
others grow more happily inside as a potted plant.

Orchid plants are
hardy, can withstand periods without water, and don’t require direct sunlight. Their
low maintenance lifestyle combined with beautiful blooms allow potted orchids to
be one of the most common plant decor in homes and offices. Those factors also
make orchids one of the best floral gifts even if the recipient has never cared
for one before.

Whether you choose to grow these magnificent plants in your home or outside in your garden
here’s what you should know about proper orchid care.

Growing orchids indoors

The basic care guidelines remain the same whether
you grow the orchid inside or out. They will require the same amount of
sunlight, water, temperatures, fertilizer, and humidity but what might vary between
locations is how you’re able to control or make up for these factors.

Because most of these flowering plants are epiphytes, naturally found
growing on tree bark and branches, their ideal potting media will typically consist
of a chunky mixture of bark chips, perlite, moss, and other breathable materials to retain just enough moisture but allow
airflow.

So how should you water your potted orchid?

Orchids should be watered thoroughly about once a
week. Whether you decide to dunk your potted plant or set the pot under running
water, be sure the medium is completely wet, but no water is left standing in
the leaves or crown and never leaving it to sit in a pool of water. Allowing
the roots to dry in between watering is important, as too much moisture can
cause rot.

If no direct sunlight, how much light does an
orchid need?

Orchids grow best in an area where it will receive at
least 6-8 hours of bright but indirect sunlight per day. East facing windows
offer the most ideal lighting. Different types of orchids may require more
sunlight to grow and rebloom so refer to our Orchid Care Guides for more
in-depth information for each variety.

What is the ideal temperature for orchids?

As with the other factors, different orchids can
endure slightly cooler and warmer temperatures, but the best temperature range
is 60-80F. Many orchids benefit from a 15 degree swing between day and night so
placement near windows can help to achieve this more naturally felt occurrence.

Is orchid fertilizer necessary?

Orchid fertilizer may not be considered necessary,
but it can be extremely beneficial. In nature, nutrients and minerals may have
been acquired in the environment. Either by applying a balanced liquid
fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended rate weekly or utilizing a slow release nutricote
blend can help to keep the plant healthy and vigorously growing.Reduce fertilizing when the new shoot has
completed its growth so buds may initiate.

Phalaenopsis is one of the most popular varieties
and the species that typically comes to mindwhen people picture an orchid with its iconic, long-lasting flowers. This variety is hardy enough towithstand a wide range of indoor
temperatures and little light.

Growing Orchids Outdoors

Add a striking effect to your gardens with these as
outdoor plants, available in a wide variety of species and colors. In climates
that don’t experience frost, orchids can be placed or mounted on a tree in an area
that receives morning light and sees ample but indirect sunlight under the
shade of the canopy.

When deciding where to place your orchid outside, first
determine whether the genus is of an epiphytic nature or a terrestrial type as
most cannot survive planted in the ground.

If there is minimal humidity and your plants dry
out more frequently, they should be watered more to prevent excess dryness. If
you’re in a location that receives more rainfall, but your orchid has been left
in a pot, be sure to set the orchid in a way that will help it from catching water
in its leaves ideally under the protection of tree branches.

Cattleya, widely considered one of the most
exquisite varieties for its large, flamboyant flowers, performs well in bright filtered light and
can handle a variety of temperatures. This type of orchid does particularly
well mounted on trees here in Hawaii. If you have a sunnier space, consider
cymbidium, which is tolerant of almost full sun. Oncidium, a particularly large
variety, is well-suited for high elevations. There are terrestrial varieties of orchids such as Spathoglottis and
Phaius that thrive planted in the ground.

No matter which type of orchid you have in mind, these quality plants can help to beautify both your home and garden.