Orchid Care

Common Name: Orchids
Scientific Name: Varies by variety
Lighting: Bright Light
Watering: Low

Orchids are beautiful houseplants. Their unique flowers characterized most commonly on a single stem. Along with the beautiful orchid flowers, usually is a pleasant fragrance as well. There are many varieties of orchids with Phalaenopsis being the most popular. Colors can vary from white, to pink, to yellow to a mixture, either way they are all gorgeous.

Orchids as beautiful as they are, they can be very finicky plants. On the other hand, some people find them to be one of the easiest. Orchids also when cared for properly can have extremely long lives.

One area where Orchids are particularly finicky is the soil they are planted in. Use a fast draining soil mixture. The soil must also allow air circulation so be sure there is a medium such as bark mixed within the soil.

Orchids prefer lower water levels, so watering once every week to two weeks is all you need. If the leaves begin to yellow, you may be over watering the plant. You can remove the yellowed leaves as needed. However, they do prefer high humidity levels, so a daily misting will do wonders!

Orchids require bright light. Try to give your plant at least 10 hours of bright, indirect light. If the foliage begins to brown, your plant may be receiving too much direct sunlight, thus burning the plant.

Common Orchid Varieties:
Cattleya
Dendrobium (Lily of the Valley)
Phalaenopsis (Most common Orchid)
Cymbidium
Oncidium (Dancing Lady)