- How to choose the best orchid type for your home environment
- Light and temperature conditions orchids need to thrive
- Best practices for watering and maintaining proper humidity
- How to repot orchids and select the right growing medium
- Tips to encourage blooming and troubleshoot common issues
Orchids have become one of the most popular types of houseplants, admired for their elegant blooms and exotic beauty. Despite their reputation for being fragile or finicky, orchids can actually be quite hardy when matched with the right care conditions. In this guide, we’ll help demystify orchid care by offering easy, practical tips you can follow—even as a beginner.
If you’re also interested in choosing the right houseplants for your home, check out our complete indoor plant selection guide.
Understanding Orchid Types
Choosing the right orchid species is the first step to success. Here are some of the most popular types of orchids, each with their own care requirements and personality.
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)
- Beginner-friendly and widely available
- Long-lasting blooms in a variety of colors
- Thrive in low to moderate indoor light
Cattleya
- Known for large, fragrant blooms in vivid colors
- Require more light and attention to detail
- Ideal for intermediate-level gardeners
Dendrobium
- Recognized by tall canes with clusters of blossoms
- Some species shed leaves seasonally, so don’t be alarmed
- Do well in bright spots and need a regular care rhythm
Oncidium
- Also called “Dancing Lady” orchids thanks to their ruffled yellow flowers
- Thrive with high humidity and lots of bright, indirect light
Tip: Always research the specific needs of your orchid variety. Not all orchids follow the same schedule.
Light & Temperature Needs
Light
- Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal
- East or south-facing windows with sheer curtains work best
- Avoid exposing leaves to direct midday sun, as this can cause burns
Temperature
- Day: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Night: Cooler by 5–10°F encourages blooming
- Avoid spots near air vents or radiators that fluctuate temperatures
| Orchid Type | Ideal Day Temp | Ideal Night Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Phalaenopsis | 68–75°F (20–24°C) | 60–65°F (15–18°C) |
| Cattleya | 70–80°F (21–27°C) | 55–60°F (13–15°C) |
| Dendrobium | 65–75°F (18–24°C) | 50–60°F (10–16°C) |
| Oncidium | 70–85°F (21–29°C) | 60–65°F (15–18°C) |
Watering & Humidity
Watering
- Most orchids prefer to dry out slightly between watering
- Typically, watering once a week is enough—more frequent in a dry climate, less in high humidity
- Use lukewarm water, and avoid letting water sit in the pot base or orchid crown
Humidity
- Orchids thrive in 40–60% humidity
- Use pebble trays or a room humidifier during dry months
- Misting helps, but don’t overdo it—excess moisture can cause rot
- Placing multiple plants together can also create a small humid microclimate
Potting & Growing Media
Types of Growing Media
- Bark mix: Excellent air circulation; drains well
- Sphagnum moss: Retains moisture, ideal in dry environments
- Commercial orchid mixes: Often a blend of bark, perlite, and moss—great for new hobbyists
Proper Pot Selection
- Use pots that offer excellent drainage and airflow to the roots
- Clear plastic pots let you monitor root growth and moisture
- Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the medium and prevent compaction
Re-potting Tips
- Repot only after the orchid has finished blooming
- Trim away dead or mushy roots using sterile scissors
- Use fresh growing media and avoid packing it too tightly
Encouraging Blooms
Nutrient Needs
- Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20 or similar) every 2–4 weeks
- Reduce feeding in the winter or dormant phases
Rest and Light Cues
- Some orchids need nighttime temps to drop by ~10°F to initiate blooming
- Ensure consistent light exposure and patience—some may take months to rebloom
Pruning Spent Stems
- For Phalaenopsis: Cut just above a node on the stem to encourage side shoots
- Always sterilize cutting tools to prevent spreading disease
Common Bloom Issues
- Failure to bloom may result from insufficient light, lack of temperature variation, or overfeeding
- Yellow leaves or root rot are often signs of overwatering
How to Build an Orchid Care Tracker in Make.com
If you’d like to automate reminders and keep track of your orchid care routine, here’s how to build a custom workflow using Make.com (formerly Integromat):
- Start a new scenario in Make.com and choose Google Sheets or Airtable as your data source for tracking.
- Create modules:
- Scheduler Module: Triggers weekly watering reminders.
- Email/SMS Module: Uses Gmail or Twilio to send alerts.
- Google Calendar Module: Adds repotting or fertilizing events on future dates.
- Set up variables like plant name, date watered, type of orchid, and last bloom date.
- Use Filters to customize reminders based on orchid type and season—for instance, fewer fertilization alerts in winter.
- Activate scenario and enjoy automated plant care management from your dashboard.
Conclusion
Orchids may have a mystique about them, but they’re not nearly as intimidating once you understand their basic needs. By selecting the right orchid for your space, creating proper lighting and moisture conditions, and developing a simple maintenance routine, you’ll be well on your way to growing gorgeous, long-lasting blooms.
Start with one orchid, gain experience, and soon you’ll have a thriving collection. Got a question or need advice? Drop a comment—we’d love to hear about your orchid journey!
