Orchid Care in the Home

A sill on an east-facing window is the ideal spot for many types of orchids as most benefit from medium-to-high light levels and warm temperatures. The perfect window location also includes a heat source just below it. Orchids respond best to higher levels of humidity; place pots in gravel-filled trays to maintain moisture around the plants. Good air circulation is also important for successful orchid growing.

Where natural light is insufficient, orchids can be grown using a combination of fluorescent and tungsten tubes. Care should be taken that moisture and heat requirements be maintained. More elaborate methods of growing orchids include window greenhouses and dedicated freestanding orchidariums.

CATTLEYA ORCHIDS - These are large plants, growing from 20 - 80 inches depending upon the variety. Known for grand, showy scented flowers, Cattleyas are very sensitive to heat. While they need plenty of light, they should be protected from direct sunlight. Growing medium should be allowed to dry out almost completely between waterings. Temperature requirements should not exceed 82° F (28° C) during the daytime. Night temperatures should not drop below 55° F (15° C). Best flowering is achieved when there is a marked difference between day and night temperatures. Flowers last about two weeks on the plant. Do not fertilize Cattleyas for one or two months after flowering.

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS - These large plants feature flowers that last from eight to ten weeks. In temperate climates, they can be raised outdoors in summer as half-hardy plants. They require high humidity and strong light. If grown outdoors, they should be protected from direct sun during the hottest part of the day. They require cool night temperatures, between 43 and 53° F (6 and 12° C). Keep Cymbidium orchids on the moist side. Restrict watering and suspend feeding during the winter months.

PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS - Probably the best orchid as a "house plant," these orchids feature multiple blooms at the ends of graceful arching spikes. The adult plants are very tolerant. Still, they should not be exposed to full sun. Water regularly with no rest period or drying out. Temperatures of between 77 - 86° F (25 - 30° C) are ideal, but plants will adapt to slightly lower temperatures in the home provided sufficient humidity is maintained. After the flowering period has ended, cut the spike just above the second or third node to encourage re-flowering.

DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS - This is one of the most diversified of the orchid groups with well over 1400 identified species. In addition to the wide variance in appearance, these orchids vary greatly in their cultural needs. The type of leaves is a good indicator of the sort of care a particular species requires. In general, Dendrobium orchids appreciate strong light. Temperature requirements vary according to the species. Ideal humidity is in the range of 60 - 70% during growth periods.