Tips for Successfully Growing Orchids Indoors
Anyone can enjoy the beauty of orchids in their home. This popular plant requires the same consideration as any other houseplant, but to give your orchids the best possible care, keep in mind these specific tips for growing them indoors.
Bring the Outdoors Indoors
When growing any type of plant, including orchids, the basic principle to successful growth is to bring the outdoors indoors. What this means is that orchids require the same basic care as if they were living outdoors. They need light, the right temperature and humidity, water and air circulation. Any plant living outside would get all of these essentials from nature, so when you choose to grow orchids indoors, you take over for Mother Nature. With the proper knowledge of your particular species of orchids, and a little time each day, you will find that growing these plants indoors is an enjoyable experience.
Basic Guidelines for Growing Orchids Indoors
All orchids need light, water, humidity and the right temperature, but different species have different requirements. Understanding exactly what your orchids need is the first step to their care. Without enough light, the plant will remain dark green and the flowers may be small and undersized. Whenever there are any problems with blooming, it can be traced back to inadequate lighting. Put the plants by your sunniest window or invest in fluorescent lights that have been made for plants.
Watering is another area that needs your careful attention. Once again, spend some time to find out the watering requirements of your particular plant species. Keep in mind, that most orchids die from having too much water rather than too little. Potting the orchids in clay pots is a good idea because this type of pot dissipates the water more quickly. Plastic pots tend to hold the water longer and create problems for the plants. For orchids that are grown indoors, most experts agree that a good rule of thumb is to water once a week.
Humidity levels should be between 40% and 70%. To increase the humidity level around the plants, place the pots on a saucer with decorative pebbles and about an inch of water. This puts enough moisture in the air around the plants to keep the humidity level at a healthy level. Be careful to protect the orchids from drafts and freezing temperatures. It's also important to provide air circulation for orchids that are grown indoors. A small fan will keep the air moving which will keep fungi and bacteria from developing on the moist leaves.
