How Do I Grow Orchids Indoors?

Is it possible to grow orchids indoors?

Most certainly! There are several types of orchids which are suitable as indoor orchids. It's important to select an indoor orchid which blooms in the light and temperature conditions of your own home.

Moth Orchids - The Ideal Indoor Orchid

A very good choice for an indoor orchid is the Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). These are good as indoor orchids because they have long lasting blooms and if the plant is healthy it can bloom twice a year.

Moth orchids have multi-flowered spikes which range from white to lavender in color. They sometimes have stripes and a contrasting center color.

Lady's Slippers for Indoor Orchids

Another good choice for an indoor orchid is Lady's Slippers (Paphiopedilum). The flowers on this type of indoor orchid can last anywhere from 1 to 3 months, and older plants can bloom throughout the year.

Lady's Slippers have an exotic look with unusual warts, hairs, and striped colors. Some people dislike Lady's Slippers because of their unusual appearance, but most people adore them for their spectacular blooms.

Conditions for Indoor Orchids

Most indoor orchids prefer a bright filtered light. An east-facing window is the best choice, but south or west-facing windows can also work if the indoor orchids are kept at a distance from the window to prevent the leaves from scorching in the direct sun. It is also a good idea to filter the sunlight with sheer curtains.

Indoor orchids need the correct amount of light. Too little light and the leaves will become dark green and the flowers will not bloom. Too much light can burn the indoor orchid.

Indoor orchids also need sufficient humidity. You can keep the humidity level high by placing a water-filled saucer underneath the indoor orchids. You can also mist the leaves once a day or install a humidifier. Remember though, indoor orchids need a dry atmosphere at night or they may succumb to disease.

Temperatures for Indoor Orchids

There are various types of Lady's Slippers. Some prefer warm temperatures while others prefer cooler air. Lady's Slippers which are from warm climates usually have mottled leaves, and those with solid green leaves prefer cooler temperatures.

Lady's Slippers from warm climates and Moth Orchids usually do fine in regular indoor temperatures i.e. 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and down to between 60 to 65 degrees at night.

Lady's Slippers from cooler climates do well with temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees during the day and down to 50 to 55 at night.

Indoor orchids can tolerate warmer or colder temperatures that these, but in order to bloom, they must have a nighttime temperature which is about 15 degrees cooler than the daytime temperature.

If they are exposed to warmer temperatures, indoor orchids need more humidity and good air circulation. Cooler temperatures may cause them to stop growing.

Indoor orchids can be watered once or twice a week during the summer months and during periods of vigorous growth. During the cooler months the watering schedule can be reduced to once every two weeks. Fertilizer should be given about once a month.

Keep roots evenly moist all year. Water once or twice a week in warm weather and during vigorous growth, less often as growth slows. During active growth, fertilize with a quarter- to half-strength solution at least once a month.