Many types of orchids grow best indoors.
The colorful houseplants commonly called orchids belong to the massive Orchidaceae family. While some varieties require more care than others, all orchids share some basic growing condition needs. Understanding the exact requirements for your specific species and variety will help you enjoy healthy, beautiful blooms from all of your orchid plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Air Flow
Many houseplants thrive equally well when placed in front of a fan or in a room with no air circulation. Orchids grow in tropical areas where a steady breeze helps regulate their temperature and soil moisture levels, and a breeze from a small fan encourages better growth and health, according to OrchidMania. Providing air circulation for an outdoor plant is harder. A small solar-powered fan helps move air when the orchid needs it the most and won't require running an extension cord to your garden.
Re-Potting
Giving your orchid a larger pot to grow in at the right time prevents stunted growth or damage to the root system. The plant shouldn't be re-potted when blooming to prevent it from shedding the flower from stress. If your plant has roots growing over the side of the pot, it is ready for a larger vessel, according to the Beautiful Orchids website. Pinch off any dead roots during re-potting. Look for limp, soft roots that have turned black.
Seasonal Watering Routines
One of the biggest challenges in growing orchids involves root rot. Orchids don't like to sit in soggy soil, so when evaporation rates are slow due to cool weather or high air humidity, water plants in the morning. When temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and air humidity is low, watering at night keeps plants from drying out excessively, according to Hackneau Art & Orchids. This works best for sun-loving orchid varieties that dry out the most in hot weather.
Temperature Flucuation
If you chose orchids as a houseplant or garden flower for the blooms, you'll need to pay attention to your thermostat. Temperature drops trigger the plants in this family to make buds. During the fall and winter months, orchids need at least a 10 degree drop in temperature during the nighttime, says the American Orchid Society. Turning the heat down a little at night tells your plants to produce plenty of flower buds that you'll enjoy in the spring.
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