How to Grow Orchids

Create a favorable temperature for orchids. Most orchids are native to tropical climates, that is, where there is good air, plenty of light and 12 hours a day (365 days a year). The suitable temperature for orchids is usually in the range of 18-24 degrees Celsius (depending on the orchid species).

• The temperature in the orchid growing medium at night drops to about 6 degrees Celsius, which will help stimulate new shoots, especially in autumn and winter. ^[5]

Make sure the orchid gets enough sunlight but not too much. Many species of orchids prefer indirect sunlight: direct sunlight can burn the plant, and if there is a lack of sunlight, the plant will not flower. You should place the orchid near the south or east window. West facing windows often get too much sun, while north facing windows may not provide enough sunlight. ^[6]

• Observe the leaves when you want to know if the plant is getting too much or not enough sun. Orchid leaves should be pale yellowish green. If the leaves are dark green, the plant is not getting enough light. Leaves that turn yellow, brown, or reddish are a sign that the plant is getting too much sun. ^[7]
• Orchid species with low light requirements (sweet orchids, phalaenopsis orchids and mimosa) will grow best when receiving light from the north or east. Orchid species with medium to high light requirements (Cand Orchid, Orchid and Vanda) prefer light in the west or south direction.
• Orchids prefer placement behind curtains or window blinds. This way the plant will receive a lot of light, but indirect light.

Water the plant once a week. Orchids that are watered too much will die more easily than if they are not watered enough. You should water the orchid about once a week and let the soil dry completely before watering again. ^[8] During the summer months, the days are longer and hotter, and the plants will need more frequent watering. Water the orchid for about 15 seconds, then place the pot on the gravel tray to drain.

Care for orchids carefully. Orchids require you to care more than ordinary plants and flowers. The thicker the leaves, the more water you need to water. If the orchid has a large false sheath, you should water less. Orchids in general do not have strong vitality but can tolerate drought quite well. Again, orchids are more resistant to water shortages than overwatering.

Use an orchid-specific fertilizer, and don’t over-fertilize. Generally, you should fertilize your orchid once a week with a diluted 20-10-20 fertilizer mix (concentration ¼). After fertilizing, water the plant and do so once a month to wash away any remaining fertilizer. ^[9] If you fertilize too much, the plant is at risk of burning roots and difficult to bloom; and if not fertilized enough, the flowering process of the plant may be delayed.. You should place the plant in indirect sunlight until flower buds appear. When the flower bud grows to about 13 cm high, you can support the flower bud by tying it to a stake.

Maintain high humidity. Because orchids are naturally moisture-loving, keep the humidity in the room where the orchid is placed (or wherever orchids are grown) at 50%-75%. You can achieve this by opening a humidifier near the orchid or placing a tray of gravel with water next to the orchid. ^[10]