Orchid lovers are usually enthusiastic enough to make accommodations for their "babies," and they make a point of learning about the orchid's needs.
Before you run out and buy an orchid, you will want to know which ones are best suited for growing indoors.
Most of the best indoor orchids are hybrids that have been designed for just such domestication and they are purposely engineered to produce spectacular blooms and colors.
Most of them are also what are known as Epiphytic plants, meaning that they have their root system above ground and can thrive on tree trunks, moss, and other organic structures.
Most have similar requirements with slight variations.
- Epiphytic orchids are watered by drenching them and then allowing them to drain.
They should not be allowed to soak in water. - They need good air circulation, and feed off of nutrients found in the air.
Their natural environment is high off the ground where there is plenty of circulation. - A good way to remember how to fertilize them is; during the growth stage fertilize weekly (weakly, as in 50% strength, weekly as in once a week).
During the resting months, fertilize once or twice a month. - Orchids have a paradoxical need of light.
They need a lot, but not too much.
Don't allow them to get too much direct sunlight (this is only true for most).
Most of them are used to growing in areas with bright sun, but are sheltered from the heat and direct light by the overgrowth of the trees and plants that they grow on. - Orchids need humidity, but it is not practical to make your home a steam bath.
One of the best methods is to keep a humidity tray full of water and pebbles just beneath the pot.
Also, spraying the leaves when watering helps. - Different orchid species may have varying temperature needs, but the one's mentioned below can survive just fine in a controlled home environment.
However the plants typically do need some variation between day and night time temperatures; between 70 and 80 degrees during the day, and between 60 and 70 degrees at night works best.
Your species' needs may vary slightly.
When considering what species is best for your home, the 7 best choices for Growing Orchids Indoors, are;
- Phalaenopsis - Known as the "Moth Orchid," it is fairly cooperative and tolerant of room temperatures and moderate lighting.
It is one of the most popular and common household orchids.
They do not like too much direct sunlight, but do need a sufficient amount of indirect light. - Cattleya - Cattleya orchids are hybridized more than any other species because of their large colorful blooms.
Unlike most orchids, they do enjoy direct light.
Although very beautiful in appearance, this species is not particularly fragrant. - Dendrobiums - This is the largest genus of the Orchid family.
Most of these "Dendrobiums" found in stores, are actually Dendrobium-Phalaenopsis hybrids.
But these hybrids typically require a little more water, humidity, and light then the basic Phalaenopsis. - Oncidiums - This is another commonly hybridized species due to its large leaves and blooms and how easy they are to grow.
They can tolerate direct sunlight a little more than others such as the Phalaenopsis. - Miltonia - These orchids are not fond of direct light and should be shaded at all times.
They are easy to grow indoors because of this, but can be easily damaged by too much light.
Temperatures are not so much of an issue however. - Epidendrum - This is a huge orchid genus, and is related to the Cattleya.
Most of these, but not all, are epiphytic.
They have smaller narrow petals and can vary in appearance and size.
They can be treated much the same as the Cattleya. - Paphiopedilum - Also known as the "Lady Slipper Orchid," these are thirsty orchids, and during the growing months they may need watering up to twice a week.
Fertilize moderately at a weakened strength once a month.
Lighting requirements are about the same as the Phalaenopsis.