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The Iowa Gardener: Brighten up your space with an orchid
These once rare plants are now everywhere — and affordable
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It used to be that orchids were rare and expensive plants, seldom seen in nurseries or garden centers. But these days, they're everywhere — florists, discount stores, supermarkets — and are no longer limited only to those fortunate few with special greenhouses and lots of expertise.
Accordingly, prices have plunged. It's easy to find beautiful orchids for under $20. And as long as you care for your orchid properly, you'll be able to enjoy its exquisite flowers for many months. I often buy an orchid after I take down my Christmas decorations in January. It then blooms right through summer, sometimes even into fall.
While orchids have a reputation for being difficult, as long as you choose the right varieties (and if you are buying an orchid in a discount store or supermarket, you can rest assured it's one of the easy types), they are as easy to grow as any other houseplant.
Choose an easy orchid
The toughest part about growing orchids might be trying to remember their names. There are thousands of different types, but some of the easiest to grow include:
- Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid): Probably the most common and well-known orchid, these are noted for large, colorful blooms and tolerance of a wide range of indoor conditions. They require less light than many other orchids, making them ideal for homes with lower natural light levels. Almost all my orchids have been Phalaenopsis.
- Cattleya (Corsage Orchid): Known for their large, fragrant flowers, they tolerate a variety of light conditions but do best in bright, indirect light. They’re slightly more demanding in terms of temperature and humidity than Phalaenopsis but can definitely thrive in a typical home environment.
- Dendrobium: Dendrobiums are diverse and forgiving, with some varieties being easier to grow than others. They often produce multiple flowers on a single stem and can tolerate a range of temperatures. Most Dendrobiums do best in bright light and require a distinct rest period after flowering.
- Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid): Oncidiums are tough and easy to grow, and they can bloom multiple times a year. These orchids prefer bright light and moderate temperatures. Their flowers are small but come in clusters, often resembling dancing figures, hence the common name.
My orchids do fine in an east-facing window. A north window would also be good, unless you have a lot of cold drafts from it. I'd avoid a west-facing or south-facing window, which would have the most intense light, unless there are a lot of trees or other shade.
Provide the right temperatures
Ideally, orchids do best in temperatures ranging from 65 degrees to 75 degrees during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night. Avoid placing orchids in drafty areas or near heat sources such as radiators, air conditioners, ranges, fireplaces, or space heaters.
These tropical natives generally prefer humidity levels between 40 percent and 60 percent. To maintain proper humidity, you can use a humidifier, place your orchid on a tray filled with water and pebbles (making sure the pot is not sitting in the water), or mist the plant regularly. However, avoid over-wetting the plant’s leaves, as this can lead to fungal problems. That all said, I've found my orchids very forgiving in terms of humidity.
Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees in the wild, where their roots are exposed to air rather than being buried in soil. Because of this, most orchids are grown in bark-based potting mixes, which you can find in most better-stocked garden centers.
The container your orchid sits in must have drainage holes. This helps excess water escape, preventing the roots from sitting in stagnant water, which can lead to rot. For orchids like Phalaenopsis, clear plastic pots can be beneficial as they allow light to reach the roots, which can aid in photosynthesis.
Watering know-how
Watering is one of the trickiest aspects of growing orchid, since if you over water, your orchid will have soggy roots and start to look sickly.
Most orchids prefer to dry out between waterings, and the best way to determine when to water is by checking the potting mix. If the surface feels dry, it's time to water. Water thoroughly by immersing the pot in a bowl of water for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the roots to soak up moisture. Afterward, allow the pot to drain completely to avoid waterlogging.
Some orchid instructions suggest putting three ice cubes a week on your orchids bark and letting it melt. I've done that and it works, but it's better to use room-temperature water and the above soaking method.
Orchids usually need to be repotted every year or two to refresh the potting medium and maintain good root health. But here's a confession: When my orchid is done blooming, I don't nurse it along until it blooms again. I'm an impatient houseplant owner, and I just give it to a friend or put it out on the curb with a free-to-good-home sign and it disappears overnight.
After all, with orchids being as plentiful and inexpensive as they now are, I can afford to get a new one of these beautifies every single year.
Veronica Lorson Fowler is copublisher of the Iowa Gardener website at www.theiowagardener.com.
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