Growing Orchids In Your Home

There are many orchids that you may be able to grow in and around your home.

One of the easiest and most popular orchids to grow in the home are the Phalaenopsis or better known as the "Moth Orchid" hybrids. They require average house temperature and moderate light, much like the African Violet.

Other commonly grown orchids are the Paphiopedilum
(Lady Slipper) which is another low light grower.

The Cattleya (Catt.) alliance is a very rewarding group and is often used in corsages.

Oncidiums (dancing dolls), Vandas and Dendrobiums, all need bright light to flower.

If you have a cool area try growing the beautiful "Pansies" the Miltoniopsis.

For those of you that live in mild climates growing Cymbidiums in your gardens is a lot of fun.

Many orchids can be grown in your home if you give them what they need:

Water DON'T OVER WATER, this kills more orchids than anything else!

Light Too much light will kill your orchid as will too little light.

Temperature Orchids, like people, like to have a comfortable temperature.

Fertilizer Remember the old saying, "weakly, weekly" when fertilizing orchids.

Humidity Orchids like 40%-70% humidity.

Air movement They don't like stagant air, but then neither do you.
You grow orchids much like you do any blooming house plant.

Remember most orchids are epiphytes and are planted in orchid bark, lava rock, or mounted on pieces of bark.

Don't plant them in soil unless they are the terrestrials.

For more information about growing orchids, check out my recommended books.

In the middle of February 2007 my new Orchid Agora forum has been launched.

Come and join this developing community of orchid enthusiast friends!