By: Patrick Urbanski
What’s the Deal with Orchids?
Orchids are known around the world for their beautiful long-lasting flowers, but caring for them is elusive to many people. Most orchids that you can find in garden centers and grocery stores can easily be grown and flower in your house with the proper care. Orchids are a part of the family orchidaceae, the largest plant family with over 24,000 named species. They can be found in every habitat type in the world, except for glaciers.
Orchids come in many shapes, sizes, colors and care preferences. There’s even an orchid known as the ghost orchid, because it lacks leaves. We offer a seasonal selection of orchids. If we happen to not have an orchid you are hoping for, then we can always place your request on a Wishlist to follow-up with you when we see it available.
Orchid Anatomy Terms
- Pseudobulbs – above ground bulb meant to store energy. Flower spikes tend to appear on the side of these structures and where leaves attach. (oncidiums, cymbidiums)
- Canes – similar to a pseudobulb, but an elongated growth. Flowers come out the top in a sheath and leaves are attached to the sides. (Cattleyas, dendrobiums).
- Fans – These are clusters of leaves that come out of the soil and flower at maturity. (Phalaenopsis, paphiopedilum)
Orchid Soil and Growing Media
There are two main important growth habits of orchids: Terrestrial and epiphytic. Terrestrial orchids tend to grow in the ground, in moss, and/or in leaf litter. Epiphytic orchids tend to naturally grow with their roots attached to trees. There are other terms as well like lithophyte which means the plant naturally grows on rocks. Some orchids are in between where they can be found growing in both locations in certain habitats.
Based on the orchid’s growth habit, soil mixtures will change. Terrestrial orchids prefer more moisture retention and do not need as much airflow. For these plants, a mix of potting soil and orchid bark, or moss and orchid bark is ideal. Epiphytic orchids prefer good airflow around the roots to prevent rot. For these plants, a mixture of orchid bark, moss, and perlite is ideal. Mounted orchids are also something that has become common for some growers. This involves attaching an epiphytic orchid to a wood slab, cork or driftwood. These make great wall hangings or centerpieces and mimic an orchid’s natural environment.
Repotting, Fertilizer, and Maintenance
When repotting orchids, it is important to remove as much of the old media as possible because the old bark and moss can become acidic and be a concern to the roots. Watering or soaking the plant prior to repotting will make it easier to remove old bark pieces.
It is common for orchids to lose a couple old roots, and any dead roots should be cut off. Papery, squishy, and discoloration are all symptoms of dead roots. Once your orchid is unpotted, and any dead roots or dead growths are removed, it should be placed in the pot and filled with fresh media and then watered in.
For pot size, if the orchid needs to be up-potted, you should only upsize about an inch or two at a time. Orchids do not necessarily mind being root bound. When orchids are flowering, it is best to not repot or drastically change their environment as this can cause flower and bud drop, and can shorten your blooming time. Many orchids like to stay between the temperature of 55 and 80 degrees.
Fertilizer is a helpful tool in keeping orchids healthy and reblooming. Using a specifically formulated fertilizer for orchids is best during the growing season. Slow-release fertilizer is also beneficial for orchids if it is meant for tropical plants and orchids.
Water
Orchids vary in the amount of water they need throughout the year like most houseplants. Water frequency will be less in the winter than in the summer in most environments. Most terrestrial orchids like to stay moist while epiphytes will like to dry out in between watering sessions. Look for slightly soft or leathery leaves or slightly wrinkled pseudobulbs as indicators that it is time to water.
Pests and Treatment
Pests are a part of every gardener’s journey, indoor or outdoor. Common pests include spider mites, mealy bugs, aphids, scale, fungus gnats, and thrips. Healthy plants in ideal conditions are less likely to develop pest issues than stressed plants. For example, fungus gnats tend to develop in plants that are overwatered. We have oil-based sprays for most pests and systemics can be helpful, especially during spring when growth is more active. Be aware that oil sprays may stain household surfaces; place plants in a bathtub or large plastic garbage bag for treatment (or even outside if temperatures allow). I have been using beneficials, and that works very well for me.
Fungus can also be an issue in high humidity environments, fungicide works best for treatment. Orchids are prone to root, stem and crown rot. Good airflow around the plant and roots will help prevent rot development. Do not allow water to sit or accumulate in the crown or in leaf joints.
Common Orchids Found for Sale
- Phalaenopsis – Common in grocery stores and florists, low light, water when almost dry. Temperature drop triggers blooming.
- Cattleyas – Big showy flowers, drought tolerant, high light, likes to be fertilized regularly.
- Dendrobium – Common flower in leis, bright light, water when dry, fertilize and good light for blooms.
- Oncidium types and their hybrids – Small, fragrant, and dainty flowers, many colors and shapes, keep moist and fertilize for flowers.
- Slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) – Very unique flowers and cool foliage, keep moist, fertilize for flowers.
- Cymbidium – Big plants, water when almost dry, bright light, temperature drop required for blooms.
- Ludisia (Jewel orchids) – Grown for foliage, keep moist, bright indirect light, will flower pretty readily.
- Vanilla – Very pretty vine, like to be WARM, needs to be 3 ft+ to flower.
Watch this class recording to learn from Patrick Urbanski about the basics around growing orchids in your home, including tips on repotting.