Orchid Care October 31, 2006

I sometimes get the impression that people feel orchids are very fussy and hard to grow. I thought I would share some basic orchid care tips incase you have/want one for yourself. 

Light and Ventilation:
Most cultivated orchids can be grown in a sunny window or under lights. Either plant lights or a combination of cool white (fluorescent) and warm white will do. Many orchid enthusiasts grow their plants in or near a window with supplemental lighting. Orchids need humidity levels of 45-65%, easily obtained on pebble trays. Fill a tray with stones and water. Set the plants on the stones so that the pot bottoms rest just above the water line. Misting on sunny days will help, just be sure that plants are dry by evening. Orchids do best with good ventilation, as do most house plants. You could use a small fan to provide extra ventilation if needed.

Water:
Orchids need good drainage and should be watered only when dry. Many orchids have pseudobulbs which store water like succulents and cactus. Orchids with pseudobulbs (such as Cattleyas) should go totally dry between watering. Orchids without pseudobulbs (such as phalaenopsis, vandas, and paphiopedilums) should be watered when moderately dry. Orchids use more water when they are actively growing. As with all house plants, water the orchid until water is flowing from the bottom of the pot. When watering orchids, use water that is warm or room temperature. Feeding every other watering is suggested at a rate of 1/4 tsp. per gallon for most orchids. Plants that are actively growing should be fed 20-20-20. Plants that are completing their new growth should be fed 10-30-20 (high in phosphorus and potassium).

Orchids require different light intensities and indoor (winter)  :
Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums require filtered sun or bright indirect light in winter, shade in summer, and night temperatures of 60-65° F and most of the Cattleyas alliance (Laelia, Sophronitis, etc.) require at least 1/2 day full sun in the winter months, filtered sun during the summer, and a night temp. of 55-60°.

Vandas require a south window and a night temp. of 55-65°. Cymbidiums require as much sun as possible and night temperatures of 50-58°, providing their flower spikes are set. Orchids grow best when summered outdoors. Move all plants out under shade in mid-May. Cymbidiums and Vandas should be gradually moved to a spot where they will receive all but the hot midday sun. They will tolerate even that by late August.

Cattleyas should be gradually moved to receive almost as much sun. Hang them where leaves will shade them at midday. Keep Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums suspended in total shade. Bring phals and paphs in after they have received at least two weeks of 50° night temperatures in autumn, Cattleyas after 45-50°, and cymbidiums 35° F.

My personal experience with orchids are that they are very hardy. I have mine sitting in a window and I water then once a week and every two weeks with fertilizer in the water. I currently have five orchids and haven’t killed one yet. My mother who has the black thumb of death and hasn’t killed her orchids (2) yet. Trust me, if she can grow one anyone can!