Orchids
Orchid
Orchidaceae varieties: Aerides (Foxtail orchid), Brassavola (Lady-of-the-Night), Cattleya, Miltonia (Pansy orchid), Phalaennopsis (Moth orchid), Oncidium (Dancing Lady orchid)
Light Level: Low
Water Level: Medium
Orchids have been around for about 120 million years. There are thousands of cultivars of orchids, each with its own unusual characteristics. Orchids often have strikingly beautiful flowers.
Country of Origin
Every continent, except Antarctica. Tropical and semi-tropical regions in Asia, South and Central America.
Maintenance Tips
Fertilize lightly throughout the year, more heavily in summer. Cool night temperatures down to about 50 degrees are appreciated. Pick off yellowed leaves and cut back flowering stalks to the nearest green joint after blooming.
Crinkled leaves may mean the plant got insufficient water while the new leaves were developing. This can be caused by either loss of roots due to keeping the growing medium too wet (root rot) or by not providing enough water to an otherwise healthy root system.
Depending on which category of orchid, they appreciate either direct sunlight or filtered light. All orchids do well under fluorescent lights. Too much light will cause foliage to burn and too little light will prevent the plant from flowering. If the leaves are bright green, the plant is getting enough light. If leaves are dark green, it needs more light. If they are reddish green, it needs more light.
Poor drainage, overwatering, or standing in water will cause root rot. Most orchids appreciate a short period of dry conditions in autumn to stimulate flowering.
Varieties with thick leaves and large pseudobulbs prefer to be watered thoroughly, then allowed to dry out before watering again. Those with thin roots and no pseudobulbs prefer being watered as soon as the potting medium begins to dry.
Pests and Problems
Limp leaves or flowers are caused mainly by insufficient light, but can also be due to improper watering (usually overwatering). Yellowing leaves can be expected if leaves are old or plant is deciduous; otherwise, yellowing results from overwatering or sunburn. Brown spots are due to too much sun or leaf spot disease.
Aphids, scale, mealy bug, slugs and snails.
For more care information visit our comprehensive Indoor Gardening Guide.