Orchids can be great house plant - Tips on choosing and growing
Orchids in your home.
pink Moth Orchid in full bloom
An introduction to basic care and needs of easily grown orchid house plants.

When one thinks orchid, you may envision gorgeous exotic blossoms and a plant that is as fussy as the blossoms are beautiful. This may be so with many of the various varieties, but there are some or these plants that are very easy to grow. Most generally the foliage tends to be plain but the blossoms more than make up for that. There is one exception, which are the Jewel Orchids. These hardy little plants have beautiful leaves that are veined with silver or gold markings. Their abundant spikes of small delicate flowers are a bonus with this variety.

In some parts of the country many orchids can be grown outside most of the year. In other areas orchids will benefit by being placed in a bright but shaded environment during the warm months. Depending on your area a daily watering or misting is beneficial.

I have several Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) and a Cymbidium that is a fairly large plant. I am uncertain of their exact names, but to me that is irrelevant, as it is the plant not the name that I am enamored with.

There are two basic types of these growth patterns in orchids, monopodial and sympodial. Modipidal plants grow from a central stem which grows from the top. Their flower spikes originate from the stem between the leaves. 
The sympodial orchids have a rhizome that sends out shoots. This develops into the stems and leaves. It is from this area that flower spikes originate from. These plants often expand their midsections into water storage area which are called pseudobulbs. There are great variations in these storage areas, some are tall and thin while others are quite bulbous. Leaves are very diverse also, some are thick and quite leathery while others are almost grass like and are arrange like fans.
The roots of these plants epiphytic are also adapted to hold and retain water and nutrients. There is an outside cork like skin protecting the thin living portion within.

Orchids are also generally divided into types according to their temperature and growing preferences. Growing into the ground (Terrestrial), and those that basically are air or tree growers (epiphytes).

Basic care: Provide your plant with bright diffused light, with little or no direct sun as the leaves easily burn.

Meet their water needs and make sure the plants never get soggy which will result in root rot. Water the mix from the top making sure that the center or growing portion of the monopidal plants does not retain water in cooler weather. This will cause the growing center to develop rot. Which can either kill the entire plant or severally damage it. It is best to get into the habit of watering carefully and allow the water to drain away. Each plant may require more or less water so be aware of each individuals needs. 

Provide additional humidity by placing orchid pots onto a water dish containing sand or pebbles and of sufficient size to allow for evaporation of water in the dish to bath the plant. Make sure that plant roots are not wet. Some orchids thrive in a terrarium type of environment. Aquariums can be utilized as a living showcase.

As with all plants feed on a regular basis during their active growing season. Generally a good liquid fertilizer at about half strength about once a month will be sufficient.
Allow orchids to rest during the winter months, it is at this time they start the cycle that will bring on spring flowering. Very limited watering and no fertilizers during their resting period and a reduction in overall temperatures may be necessray.

You can be very fussy or laid back with most of the orchids that are suitable for home growers. In the end it is consistency that counts and these interesting plants will provide weeks of beautiful flowers.

Orchids are extremely versatile and many adapt quite well to home growing.

For more information on growing orchids visit these sites.

How to Grow Orchids

You Too Can Grow Orchids

OrchidMania: Orchid Culture


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