Orchids are tricky houseplants that require just the right amount of light, water, and humidity. They’re also known for their high maintenance and can be challenging to care for.
Luckily, orchids communicate their needs to us through their leaves and roots, so you can easily spot issues that need to be addressed.
Light
Orchids are very sensitive to light, so it’s vital for you to pay attention to how much and how long your plant receives sunlight each day. The best way to test for the right amount of light is to examine the leaves of your orchid.
Dark green leaves indicate that your orchid is receiving too little light; yellowish-green or red leaves suggest too much. If you see these colors, move your plant to a location with a less intense brightness — perhaps by moving it away from a window directly in front of it, or placing it under a grow light.
You can also tell how much light your orchid is getting by feeling the temperature of its leaves. If the leaves feel warmer than your hand, they’re getting too much.
Temperature
Orchids need a certain amount of humidity to thrive. In winter, they also need a good amount of air circulation. A fan can help.
Warm-climate orchids, including phalaenopsis and paphiopedilum, like daytime temperatures of 73deg to 85degF with 80 to 90 percent humidity. They are happy in an east or southeast window with filtered light.
Intermediate-growing orchids, including cymbidium and dendrobium, are more comfortable with daytime temperatures of 70deg to 85degF with a slight temperature drop at night. They are happiest in an east-facing window with filtered light, but may need a little shading during the hottest part of summer.
Watering is one of the most important things you can do for an orchid plant. Different cultivars have different water requirements, but you can get an idea of how often to water by picking up the plant and determining how heavy it feels after a week or ten days.
Water
Water is one of the most important aspects of growing orchid plants. It not only keeps the roots alive but also helps prevent disease and pests from causing damage.
In order to properly water your orchids you will need a glass container that has plenty of room for airflow, preferably with holes in the bottom. Orchids love a little bit of airflow both around their roots and the leaves, but too much airflow can cause your orchids to dry out faster.
If you’re using tap water you’ll need to use a TDS meter or pH strips to make sure the level of the salts and other minerals are acceptable for your orchids. You may need to collect rainwater or improve your tap water if it doesn’t have enough minerals for your orchids.
When watering your orchids, do it in the morning or afternoon so that the excess can evaporate before it gets dark. Otherwise, it can rot the plant and encourage unwanted bacterial and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Orchids need fertilization, and it is vital to their blooms and overall health. A high-quality fertilizer should contain an even balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Most fertilizers also contain micronutrients. These are important for plant health and help your orchids fight off pests, disease, and harsh weather conditions.
If you have a plant that has been severely dehydrated, such as a dendrobium or Cattleya, your orchid may not be able to absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer and will burn when it comes into contact with them. Instead, dilution at a more slow rate will give your plant all the nutrition it needs without burning the roots or damaging the leaves.
Another time when you should hold off on fertilizing your orchid is during its dormancy period, such as during the winter and early spring. Some plants, such as dendrobiums and Cattleya, go dormant over the winter months and will not benefit from fertilizing during this time.