Sure orchids are known for their regal elegance and dainty beauty but also, it makes you want to twirl around in a ball gown. Potted orchids in the interior have recently grown very popular among experienced plant growers and for beginners beautiful flowers, stunning such.
The Bottom Line In conclusion, as an enthusiastic indoor gardener I have been nurturing potted orchids for those reasons. Orchids have a reputation for being difficult and high-maintenance, but if you know what to do all is well!
Here is the collective guide and a little bit of my personal experience with some tips to help you thrive your orchids in simple pots since their care treatment as so unique. Let’s start!
What Makes Orchids Unique?
Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants, consisting of about 25,000 species and thousands more hybrids. Orchids naturally grow in different climates around the world with many being tropical rainforest and desert species and as a result have adapted to growing In specific ways.
A large number of orchids live in the air and rain on trees or rocks; these kinds are called epiphytes. This natural ability makes them perfect for growing indoors. Most potted orchids are planted in special potting mixes that reflect the loose, humid ecosystems where they evolved.
Growing out my first orchids in pots
The first time I brought a potted orchid home is still fresh in my mind. A Phalaenopsis orchid, also known as the moth orchid in reference to its blossoms), with stunning white blooms instantly caught my eye.
Orchids always intimidated me, with a reputation for being high-maintenance plants so when my mom decided to bring one home I knew it would be the perfect chance to give them a try.
I was just like the millions of fumbling new orchid-parents out there: over-watering, causing root rot and drooping flowers. It was really frustrating, but eventually I learned that orchids have very specific conditions especially when it came to watering and light.
Furthermore, I took my plant home and in time learned what it needed, adjusting its care routine so that the next summer it recovered and bloomed beautifully. It taught me patience, an aspect of life you need if growing orchids.
Most Popular Potted Orchids
There are thousands of varieties for potted orchids Some common indoor varieties to consider are:
1. Phalaenopsis
Perhaps these are the very first kind of orchid that most people think about growing indoors. What: Long-lasting flowers in white, pink, purple and yellow. Phalaenopsis orchids are also fairly easy to take care of and good for beginners.
2. Cattleya Orchids
Cattleyas, often called corsage orchids, are famous for their fragrant and large flowers. They need a little more light than Phalaenopsis, but pay you back with showy flowers and their overall weird look.
3. Dendrobium Orchids
There are more than 1,000 different species of dendrobiums. These are characterized by their dramatic, tall, cane-like stems and tree-canopy large flowers. Dendrobium orchids, in particular varieties, are a bit more fickle when it comes to temperature changes but there true blooming potential will be unlocked with the correct conditions.
4. ROI: Oncidium
The spray-like flowers are reminiscent of little dancing figures, which is how oncidiums earned the nickname dancing lady orchids. Since they typically require a higher humidity than other orchid varieties, mine has been growing and flourishing near the humidifier.
5. Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum orchids are a rare and exotic option for orchid lovers, due to their interesting slipper-shaped blossoms. In contrary to many other orchids, they like less light and are somewhat more cold-resistant. Orchids are a little easier to care for which makes them good candidates as intermediate grading Orchid growers.
Caring for Potted Orchids: Top Tips and Lessons Learnt
Orchids care is dominated by what you know about the plant, this is a main component to caring for any type of houseplant. Some mandatory care tips I learned from my experience are as follows:
1. Watering
We will look at the watering IS NOT why most people tend to kill their orchids, one of my worse mistakes in the early days was over-watering mine. As a rule of thumb, most houseplants hate having wet roots and many are prone to root rot but not orchids.
In this venture, it is paramount not to overwater the orchid as you should allow its potting medium to become dry between watering. I poke my finger about an inch down into the potting mix to see if it needs watering yet. If it feels dry, I water the plant a lot in order to drench its pot letting all of excess spill away afterwards.
2. Light
It is an adaptable plant and can take direct sunlight from a few hours in the morning to around 2 or so until noon.
Orchids do best in bright, indirect light. I place mine by a window that has sheer curtains or blinds to help filter the light. Leaves can get scorched if they are exposed to too much direct sunlight, but if the light levels are insufficient no flowers will grow.
3. Temperature and Humidity
Orchids like it warm and wet, just like their jungle homes. I am all for room temp between 65°F and 80°F. I use a under pot humidity tray below the orchid pots for increasing more humid micro environment.
I also run a nearby humidifier in the winter when heating leads to dry indoor air; especially for more humidity-loving varieties such as Oncidiums those extra few percentages can go quite far.
4. Potting Medium and Repotting
Orchids never grow in regular potting soil. They need it in a special mix of bark, perlite, etc. This is great for airflow around the roots. I repot my orchids once every year or two years, especially after they have bloomed. When you do this, if its roots grow too large and the plant would like a home with some fresh growing medium, let’s repot.
5. Fertilizing for Better Blooms
Most orchids like to be fed, especially in the growing season which for most is spring/summer. Fertilize with a balanced orchid fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks. But during the winter when my orchids are not as active, I lie off and do not fertilize them.
The Top 5 Problems with Orchids
As with all good orchid growers, I have had my fair share of difficulties root rotting and some extremely stubborn orchids that refuse to bloom. Here are some things I have found:** Problem:
- Root Rot
Orchids will experience root rot if the plant gets too much water or is not allowed to properly drain after watering. I got around this by developing my own style using pots with the best drainage possible and a very airy orchid bark mix. I also water with the aim of leaving enough for my potting medium to dry out in between.
No Blooms: My orchids didn’t bloom because I realized they weren’t getting enough light After I moved them to a brighter spot, in only few weeks later saw the first signs of flower spikes.
Typically adjusting the watering or light exposure and let it recover. If just one lower leaf starts turning yellow, don’t panic because this is normality may be a natural part of growth on the plant.
Growing Orchids in a Pot
To me, the real excitement in a blooming orchid is seeing that first bloom. It makes great sense to see such colorful, intricate flowers after months of careful watering and fertilizing in the correct light conditions.
Orchids are a stunning and exotic flower that gives an air of sophistication, elegance while also they bring peace to any space knowing I was able to help these grow is the experience that makes it even more rewarding.
If you are thinking of styling your living room with orchids, do not fear their notorious difficulty. If you can understand what they need and are willing to be a little patient, orchids will repay your kindness by flowering from year to year with an entirely natural form of botanical art right there in your living room.
Conclusion
Care for potted orchids might need little more care and attention than your average house plant, but their beauty is one that stands out in a crowd. If you have any interest whatsoever in orchids then rest assured, be ye beginner or seasoned plant rearing veteran they will form an integral part of your indoor garden inside.
Or, by taking care of them properly you can enjoy beautiful blooming orchids season after seasons. Because, as I have discovered from that experience and others like it, sometimes all these amazing plants need is a little time to reveal their true potential.
