EXTENSION REPORT

Growing Orchids as Houseplants 

     If you are ready for something different and interesting, try growing orchids as houseplants. Many orchids have the reputation of being difficult to grow, but it’s not necessary to turn your home into a steamy jungle in order to grow beautiful orchids. Orchids are available in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and habits, as well as a variety of fragrances. There are some 30,000 species and even more hybrids.

     Orchids originate from the tropical parts of the world and some temperate parts and their growing requirements can vary considerably.  Choosing varieties suitable for the growing conditions in your home will greatly increase your chances for success. Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) and some Paphiopedilum (lady slipper) varieties are especially suited for the home environment. Flowers of these two types of orchids are very long lasting with Phalaenopsis flowers lasting anywhere from two to six months. Here are some other orchids that can be grown in a normal indoor environment: Arangis, Angraecum, Bulbophyllum, Dendrochilum, Oncidium papilio, and Oncidium kramerianum.

     Just like any other houseplant, orchids require proper water, fertilizer, light, temperatures and humidity. When growing indoors, plants should be placed in an east, south, or west window and should be protected from direct midday sun. If you decide to grow orchids under artificial light sources, it is important to provide the light only as long as the natural day length. Extended day lengths may prevent proper blooming.

     Orchids are divided into classes by the temperatures they prefer. Warm-growing orchids, like Phalaenopsis, Doritis, some Papiopedilum and Dendrobium, grow best in temperatures ranging from 65 – 80 degrees (F). Cool-growing orchids, like Cymbidium, Odontoglossum, Miltonias, some Papiopedilum and Dendrobium, prefer temperatures grow best is temperatures ranging from 55 – 70 degrees (F). Most of the remaining varieties need intermediate temperatures of 60 – 75 degrees.

     Humidity is critical to the health of an orchid plant. Relative humidity levels of 40 – 80% are suitable. Humidity levels around the plant can be increased by placing tray containing gravel and water underneath the plant’s container. Be sure the bottoms of the pots are above the level of water. Daily misting is also helpful.

     The amount of watering required depends upon the size of the plant and container, type of container (plastic or clay) potting medium used, relative humidity and amount of misting. As a general rule, orchids prefer to dry out well between watering. Seedlings or plants with fleshy roots or soft foliage usually require constant moisture.

     In nature, the majority of orchids are epiphytic. This means that they grow attached to trees with roots hanging loose in the tropical jungle air (they are not harmful to the tree). In the jungle, they usually receive a good rain once a day and then dry out. To simulate these conditions in the home, we use potting media such as fir bark, osmunda fiber, tree fern fiber, or special orchid potting mixes that allow good air circulation to the root area. These mixes are available at most garden supply stores.

     Orchids that are planted in orchid potting mixes or fir bark need to be fertilized while those in osmunda fiber need very little fertilization. For those mixes that need it, a light feeding of 30-10-10 (1/4 tsp. per gallon) or 15-5-5 (1/2 tsp. per gallon) each time the plants are watered will be beneficial. The use of high nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided during the winter months when plants are not as active.

     If you are interested in growing orchids, here is a list of reference books that may be helpful.

Orchid Growing Illustrated                                            Orchids as Houseplants

Brian and Wilma Rittershausen                                     Rebecca Tyson Northen

Growing Orchids                                                           Home Orchid Growing

J. N. Rentoul                                                                  Rebecca Tyson Northen

Culture of the Phalaenopsis Orchid                               American Orchid Society Bulletin

Bob Gordon                                                                    (monthly publication)

     If you need additional information concerning other home and garden issues, contact the Extension Home and Garden Info-line, 1-866-855-1909 or the Baldwin County Extension Office at 937-7176.

Email address: mcquegj@aces.edu
Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.