I want to Grow an Orchid. What Type of Orchid Should I Choose And What Conditions Should I Provide for it?

Do you want to grow your orchid indoors?

Can you put the orchid in a spot in your home where it will receive at least 4-6 hours of bright indirect sunlight?

Ask Can you put the orchid in a spot in your home where it will receive at least 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight?

Do you live in an area with hot and humid weather?

Do you live in an area with mild weather?

You can choose any orchid, preferably a species with medium to high light requirement. Some of the most popular ones are Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Vanda. Provide the plant with 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight as too much direct sunlight will get it sunburned. The soil needs to drain well, so don't use heavy soil. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings (if the top inch of the soil is dry, you may water it). Keep the warm and humid room environment for your orchid. Fertilize it once a month or once every two months, but stop during the dormancy phase. Repot the orchid if you see roots coming out from the holes on the bottom of the pot.

You can choose any orchid, preferably a species with low to medium light requirement. Some of the most popular ones are Masdevallia, Odontoglossum, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis. Provide the plant with 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight as too much direct sunlight will get it sunburned. The soil needs to drain well, so don't use heavy soil. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings (if the top inch of the soil is dry, you may water it). Keep the room with the orchid warm and humid. Fertilize it once a month or once every two months, but stop during the dormancy phase. Repot the orchid if you see roots coming out from the holes on the bottom of the pot.

You can grow orchid in your home only under expensive artificial lighting, but even with that, it will be difficult because orchids are sensitive to natural light changes.

You can choose an orchid that loves hot and humid conditions. Some of the most popular ones are Vanda and Epidendrum. Place the orchid somewhere where there's a lot of indirect sunlight, too much direct sunlight and it will get sunburned. Don't plant it in heavy soil, but use an orchid soil mix. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings (if the top inch of the soil is dry, you may water it). Fertilize it once a month or once every two months, but stop during the dormancy phase. Spray them with horticulture oil or neem oil monthly to control pests. Repot the orchid if you see roots coming out from the holes on the bottom of the pot.

You can choose an orchid that can do well in mild climate. Some of the most popular ones are Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium. Place the orchid somewhere where there's a lot of indirect sunlight, too much direct sunlight and it will get sunburned. Don't plant it in heavy soil, but use an orchid soil mix. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings (if the top inch of the soil is dry, you may water it). Fertilize it once a month or once every two months, but stop during the dormancy phase. Spray them with horticulture oil or neem oil monthly to control pests. Repot the orchid if you see roots coming out from the holes on the bottom of the pot.

Orchids don't really like cold temperatures, but you can grow them outside in the summer and then take them inside during colder months. For more information, check the troubleshooter for growing orchids indoors.