It is often assumed that the orchids are quite hard to grow; however, some of their wide varieties make excellent houseplants. There is also a common misconception that growing orchids indoors is only for people with greenhouses or those living in tropical climates. The fact is that growing orchids indoors is suitable for almost everyone, and it comes with unique benefits that other growing methods might not offer.
It is important to understand what orchids need and how to care for them in order to ensure healthy growth. This article will elaborate on certain care requirements to successfully grow these beautiful plants indoors.
Type of Orchid
The orchid group of houseplants includes a variety of plants, with more than 25,000 species existing worldwide in numerous colours and forms. Each orchid variety looks different and has evolved to attract specific pollinators.
However, all of them share certain common characteristics. They all have three inner petals, with a protruding lower lip petal called the labellum. Sometimes, these petals and sepals merge together. Amongst all the varieties, only certain types are suitable for indoor growing. The following are a few varieties that make excellent houseplants:
Phalaenopsis Orchid
It is also known as the moth orchid, and it is one of the most widely available orchid varieties. This particular variety is also easy to grow indoors. It has broad leaves and produces long-lasting flowers on arching stems.
Dendrobium Orchid
This popular orchid comes in many varieties and grows showy flowers that bloom for several weeks. A single stem can support up to 50 blooms.
Cattleya Orchid
This orchid has earned its title as the “queen of orchids” and is also known as the corsage orchid. It has one of the brightest and most uniquely formed blooms in the orchid family.
Oncidium Orchid
This is known as the dancing lady orchid. It grows quickly and features numerous fluttering blooms on each spike.
Paphiopedilum Orchid
This is often called the slipper orchid due to its unusual shape. It is easy to care for and produces long-lasting blooms.
How to Care for Orchid Roots?
Caring for orchids indoors becomes easier once the grower understands their elaborate root system. They have long roots that do not branch out like those of typical houseplants. Healthy orchid roots display colours ranging from white to green, and they are also firm to the touch.
It is best for their roots to grow in sphagnum moss or a specialised potting mix that contains gravel, dried plant fibers, bark pieces, and other chunky materials. These mixtures allow air to circulate freely around the roots, which is very important for orchid health. The containers used for orchids should have large drainage holes to prevent root rot.
How to Water Orchids Indoors?
One of the common mistakes growers make when caring for orchids is to overwater them. They do not require frequent watering. During the active growing season, most orchids require watering approximately once per week. Once the blooming ends, the water frequency should be reduced.
Orchids planted in smaller pots may need watering twice a week during periods of active growth. It is best to make sure that the potting medium is dry before watering. Gardeners can push a finger roughly 1 inch deep to check for moisture. Another indicator would be to look inside the plastic container for condensation. If the condensation appears, the plant does not need water yet.
When watering time arrives, the watering should be done deeply. Water should drain from the drainage holes at the bottom. While orchids can handle tap water, it is also best to use filtered water or rainwater.
The water temperature should be tepid, as cold water can shock the plant. After watering, make sure the water fully drains before placing the orchid in its outer pot. This is essential because the root will otherwise rot if left sitting in the water.
Light Requirements
Orchids require bright light to produce healthy blooms. It is best to give them abundant, bright, and indirect light. The ideal placement for indoor orchids would be in a south or east-facing window. It is also important to make sure that they don't get overexposed to the sun, because plants are likely to burn with excess sun exposure.
Soil Requirements
Orchids need specialized growing mediums that are specifically designed for their needs. These mediums must be lightweight and fast-draining, usually consisting of a mix of bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and peat.
Growers can either buy ready-made orchid mixes or create their own mix. Regular potting soil or standard mix should be avoided because orchids may not thrive. The ideal growing medium for orchids must have a slightly acidic pH level.
Humidity and Air Movement
Orchids dislike having wet feet, but they do thrive in humid conditions. Indoor growers often use humidity trays to meet this need. These trays collect water at the base while keeping the plant elevated above the water level. If not commercial trays, you can also use a cake pan filled with stones or inverted pot saucers. This setup allows the plant to benefit from water evaporation.
Placing multiple orchids close to each other increases humidity among the plants. However, orchids also like air movement, but continuous exposure to dry air will dehydrate them. Excessive moisture combined with little air movement may end up rotting the plant. It is crucial to achieve a good balance between humidity and air circulation.
Conclusion
Growing orchids indoors does not require special skills; they can thrive in regular homes when their basic needs are met. With close attention to requirements such as watering and light, indoor orchids can produce beautiful blooms that brighten any space.
