The Do’s and Don’ts for Growing Orchids Healthy and Happy

I’ve been growing orchids for years, and let me tell you, they are as rewarding as they are challenging. Orchids are stunning, elegant, and often misunderstood plants.

Many people think they’re delicate and impossible to keep alive, but with the right care, these beauties can thrive for years. If you are also looking for the right way to care for orchids, let’s explore more to enjoy healthy, blooming flowers in your home.

Do’s for Growing Healthy Orchids

1. Choose the Right Orchid for Your Space

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to start with the right type of orchid. For beginners, I recommend Phalaenopsis orchids (the moth orchid). They’re forgiving, bloom for months, and adapt well to indoor environments.

If you have more experience or specific conditions, you can try Cattleya, Dendrobium, or Vanda orchids.

2. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Orchids love light, but not the harsh, direct sun. Place them near an east- or south-facing window with sheer curtains to filter the sunlight.

I’ve found that too much direct sun scorches their leaves, while too little light prevents blooming.

3. Water Wisely

Watering orchids is tricky, but here’s the golden rule: less is more. Overwatering is the number one killer of orchids.

I use room-temperature water and pour it over the roots. I often water mine about once a week, ensuring the potting medium dries out between waterings.

4. Use the Right Potting Medium

Unlike most plants, orchids don’t grow in soil, they prefer an airy, well-draining potting mix. I use a mix of bark chips, sphagnum moss, and perlite for my orchids. This mimics their natural environment, where their roots cling to trees.

5. Maintain Proper Humidity

Orchids thrive in humidity levels of 50-70%, which can be challenging indoors, especially in winter. I use a pebble tray under my orchid pots, filled with water, to create a humid microclimate.

If you have multiple orchids, grouping them together also boosts humidity. If your home is very dry, invest in a small humidifier for your orchid area.

6. Prune and Maintain After Blooming

After your orchid’s flowers fade, don’t toss the plant! Trim the flower spike down to the second or third node, as this can encourage new blooms. If the spike turns brown, cut it off entirely and let the plant rest.

Don’ts for Growing Orchids

1. Don’t Use Regular Potting Soil

Using regular potting soil is a big no-no. It suffocates the roots, which need air to thrive. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on surfaces, not in dense soil.

2. Don’t Expose Them to Drafts or Temperature Fluctuations

Orchids are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Avoid placing them near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty windows.

They thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night.

3. Don’t Overfertilize

It’s tempting to think more fertilizer means faster growth, but with orchids, it does the opposite. Overfertilizing can burn the roots and cause salt buildup, which stresses the plant.

You should use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) diluted to half or quarter strength. Fertilize once a week during active growth and taper off during dormancy.

4. Don’t Forget About Air Circulation

Orchids thrive in environments with good air movement. Stagnant air can lead to fungal issues and pests.

You are encouraged to open a window occasionally, or use a small fan on a low setting to keep the air circulating.

5. Don’t Repot Too Often

While repotting is important, orchids don’t like being disturbed too frequently. Repot only when the potting medium breaks down or when the plant outgrows its container.

Experts advise you to repot your orchids every 1-2 years to refresh the medium and ensure healthy root growth.