How To Plant Orchids

Orchids are some of the most exotic, breath-taking plants in existence. There are thousands of orchid species that vary greatly in color and overall appearance. Proper care for these plants can vary greatly as well, so it's always important to read the growing and care tips on the tag of an orchid when purchased. 

As tropical plants, many people keep them indoors because the winter cold kills them every year. Some people, however, prefer to plant their orchids outdoors. Here are some helpful tips in planting your orchid in pots (for inside) and planting them in the garden for the outside.

Indoors:

1. Choose an orchid that will fit your indoor temperature. Some plants are much more finicky than others. If your house stays between 68 and 75 degrees, you can choose a warm-growing orchid. If your nighttime temperatures get a bit cooler (say between 60 and 65 degrees), choose an intermediate-growing orchid. For more information on orchid species, you'll find the BBC gardening site to be useful.

2. Most orchids come planted in some sort of bark or fibrous material. This is because orchids get most of their nutrients and water from aerial roots. So don't cut these roots!
3. Orchids need high humidity and direct sun during the winter months, and indirect light during the summer months.
4. Never let your orchid get too dry. This will kill it quickly. Instead, water consistently but in accordance with the specific instructions for your type of orchid. Water must nourish all of the roots.

   DO NOT USE SOFTENED WATER. The salt will damage the roots.

5. If your leaves turn a light green color or yellow, and shrink in size, you need to add some fertilizer. If your orchid does not flower and the leaves are dark green and floppy, you have used too much fertilizer. Plants that are actively growing and sprouting need fertilizer. Those who are slow-growing or not growing do not need fertilizer. If your orchid is in bark, it needs more fertilizer than one planted in fibrous material. A general houseplant fertilizer will do the trick. Just apply about every four weeks, and read the labels.

Outdoors:

1. If your area gets below 40 degrees, please note that you will have to bring your orchid inside when it gets that cold. Otherwise, your orchid will die.

2. Orchids like part sun to part shade. The hotter the area, the more shade you will need to keep your orchid flowering.
3. A good time to plant orchids outside is in early to mid May.
4. Mist orchids every day, or give a heartier watering every other day. Make sure your plant does not dry out.
5. If your plant starts to wilt or develop weird colorings on the leaves, move your plant immediately. This means your orchid is getting too much sun and needs more shade. Make sure to water as well.
6. Fertilize a little bit every two weeks, but no more than that.
7. A stake is necessary; otherwise, your flowers will fall into the mud or break off.
8. When the months get colder, bring your orchid inside.

Watering Tips:

• Remember that watering orchids is definitely tricky business; what is good for one may not be so great for the other. In general, the majority of orchids should have soil that is consistently moist, but not soaked with water.

• The quality of water is very important; softened water (as I said earlier) can and will burn the roots of your orchid. The best method is to use distilled water, or just tap water if you don't have a softener. Also rain water is a very good thing to use. Well water for the most part is okay, but if it's hard water it can leave deposits on the leaves of the plant.
• Orchids prefer water at room temperature, so let the water sit for a little while to warm up.
• If you have a smaller pot, water twice a week. Bigger pots (bigger than five inches) should only be watered once a week.
• NEVER water when the potting material is overly damp or soggy.
• Clay pots will evaporate water more quickly. Decorative pots will keep moisture in much water, and you can risk root rot.
• Water on sunny days, and early in the morning so water can evaporate throughout the day.
• For more great watering tips and information, go here.

Remember that all orchids are a little different; look up information on your specific hybrid. If you bought yours from a store, look to see if there's a tag that provides some care tips.

With a little love and work, you should be able to enjoy your orchids inside and outside!