Gardening Basics

How to Grow Orchids Successfully

Posted by Jared Mair

If you select the right orchid for your hometown climate, you can be sure to grow bright and beautiful orchids in your own home. This is provided of course, if you look after the orchids correctly. You will still need to provide the right amount of light, water, temperature and humidity to ensure that your orchids bloom.

Sunlight

Try placing your orchid on a sunny windowsill which receives sunshine in the morning and afternoon, and which is away from drafts. If the sunlight is intense in this area think about moving the orchid about 20 inches from the window’s glass.

If you don’t have a suitable window or don’t live in a sunny climate you can try using fluorescent lighting. You should keep the lights on for at least 12 hours to get the best results as far as growth and blooming is concerned.

Watering

Watering is the most important ingredient in growing orchids. To determine the correct amount you need to consider the particular species that you are growing but a good rule is to water the orchid only when the soil it is potted in is dry. Water requirements for different species can range from every five days to everyday, so check before you commence watering.

Temperature

The correct temperature for your orchid will vary according to the species that you are growing. This typically ranges from 50 degrees F to 75 degrees F. Commercially available orchids typically require the lower range of these temperatures. Remember that your orchid doesn’t like the cold so be sure to move it away from the window during cold nights.

The Right Humidity Level

Placing pots of orchid plants on decorative pebbles in a water-filled tray increases the humidity level to a desirable degree. You can also regular “mist” your plants with a spray bottle filled with distilled water but be careful not to soak them or you will risk fungal diseases developing.

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