Orchids

Yes, You Can Grow Orchids!

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By Dawn Pettinelli, UConn Home and Garden Education Center

Some favorite booths at the CT Flower and Garden Show this past weekend were the ones filled with orchids. Orchids are becoming more popular as houseplants and many folks are finding that they can be grown successfully in the home without elaborate care or special equipment. If you’re in a traveling mind, check out the Orchid Exhibit at the New England Botanic Garden in Boylston, MA that runs through March 23, 2025.

Purple orchids in flower
Phalenopsis orchids at the CT Flower & Garden Show in 2025. Photo by Dawn Pettinelli

Orchids are grouped into two general divisions. Epiphytic orchids naturally grow on trees in the tropics. Trees are used for support. Water and nutrients come from rain, bird droppings and organic debris collecting around the roots. Terrestrial types will grow in a highly organic soil. While epiphytic orchids may tolerate or even enjoy a dry, dormant period, terrestrial species, in general, need to be kept moist throughout the year.

Two styles of growth are exhibited by orchids. Monopodial orchids grow in an upright direction from the central stem on which aerial roots and flowers develop. Sympodial orchids generate new growth from the base of the plant. As the new stems mature and bloom, younger shoots once again are produced and the cycle is continued.

The orchid family is organized into several genera (each called a genus) which may contain from one to many species. Much hybridization has occurred and the names can be baffling to a novice. For instance, hybrids resulting as a cross between Cattleya mossiae and C. warscewiczii are labeled Cattleya x Enid, the ‘x’ indicating the plant is a hybrid.

Some of the easiest orchids for beginners are phalenopsis, paphiopedilum, epidendron, oncidium and cattleya. Not every member of each genera can be successfully grown in the home so be sure to check with your source. Almost all colors are available and blossom size may range from very tiny to several inches in diameter.

The basic requirements for orchids are good ventilation, 40 to 50 percent humidity, light, proper watering and a well-draining potting mix usually composed of fir bark. Often osmunda fiber, tree fern and/or perlite are added to the fir bark.

Specific cultural requirements vary as to the species. Some tolerate higher light levels than others. Many varieties of the orchids listed above prefer 55 to 60 degree F nights and 65 to 68 degree F days although cattlyas, epidendrons and oncidiums like it about 10 degrees warmer. If growing on a windowsill, put the varieties that like it cooler closer to the window. Make sure leaves do not touch the glass.

Ways to increase humidity include grouping plants together, placing on gravel lined trays filled with water, frequent misting or use of a humidifier. Plants should not sit in water and the foliage, if misted, should be dry by evening. Don’t keep plants too close together as good air circulation helps prevent diseases.

Watering is perhaps the trickiest part of growing orchids. There is not accurate rule for when to water because it depends on the size of the container, the type of growing medium, temperature and light conditions. Obviously, plants will have to be watered more often in hot, dry weather and less during cool, damp periods. When watering, soak the potting material thoroughly. Do not water again until the medium feels dry to the touch. If in doubt, do not water.

Since fir bark contains virtually no nutrients, plants have to be fertilized on a regular basis. Some recommend fertilizing at every third watering with a half strength orchid fertilizer. It is best to place plants in the sink and water until it drains from the pot, not putting the plant back in its saucer until it is thoroughly drained. Special orchid pots are available with enlarged drainage holes. Fertilizers should just be applied when plants are actively growing.

Orchids are a plant you have to experiment with but once you’ve experienced success, you will find that as a hobby, they can be quite contagious. Those seeking more orchid information might want to check out the Connecticut Orchid Society (www.ctorchids.org) or the American Orchid Society (www.aos.org).

If you have questions on growing orchids or any home or garden topic, contact the UConn Home and Garden Education Center, toll-free, at 877.486.6271 or visit us at www.homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu or call your local Cooperative Extension Center.

 

This article was published in the Hartford Courant Mar. 1, 2025

A Beginner’s Guide to Orchids

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By Dawn Pettinelli, UConn Home & Garden Education Center

Cymbidium Orchids
Cymbidium Orchids. Photo by dmp2024

Orchids, with their captivating beauty and elegance, have long held a revered status among plant enthusiasts. If you’re tempted to dive into orchids, this is the perfect time to explore what’s available as it is orchid show season. Those looking for a day trip might want to explore Florals in Fashion at the New York Botanic Garden until April 21. Closer to home, the CT Orchid Society holds its show April 20-21 at the Bristol Senior Center.

Often associated with exotic locales and intricate care routines, these plants are surprisingly adaptable and many can thrive in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice looking to add a touch of sophistication to your indoor space, cultivating orchids can be a rewarding endeavor.

Orchids belong to one of the largest and most diverse plant families, Orchidaceae, comprised of over 25,000 species. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, but broadly speaking, orchids can be categorized into two main groups based on their growing habits: epiphytic and terrestrial. Epiphytic orchids grow on trees and absorb their moisture and nutrients mostly from rain. They are usually found in tropical rainforests and need a specialized bark based growing medium. Terrestrial orchids grow in soil and while the most spectacularly colored ones come from the tropics, we are fortunate to have native terrestrial orchids such as lady slippers.

Another important distinction among orchids is their growth pattern, which can be classified as sympodial or monopodial. Sympodial orchids grow horizontally sending out new shoots or pseudobulbs from a rhizome or creeping stems. Cymbidiums and dendrobiums are species that exhibit this behavior. Monopodial orchids grow vertically, with a single stem that continues to elongate as the plant matures. Paphiopedilum and vanda species have this growth habit. Understanding these distinctions can help you tailor your plant care routine to suit the needs of your orchids.

The key to growing orchids successfully in the home is understanding the conditions they need to grow and thrive. These will vary according to the species but in general orchids need bright, indirect light. East and south windows usually supply ample light, but a sheer curtain may be needed to keep orchids out of hot sun from south windows during the summer. Direct sunlight may burn their leaves. Orchids also do well under artificial light.

Next to light, temperature is critical as some like it hot and others thrive in a cooler environment. It makes the most sense to select the orchid species that would do well in the temperature range you prefer. Most species, however, are happiest if there is a 5 to 10 degrees drop in night temperatures.

Orchids also tend to do best in more humid environments and our homes are mostly on the dry side. Consider using a humidifier, using pebble filled trays under plants or even growing plants in ornamental glass cases.

Making sure your orchids are receiving the proper amount of watering can be challenging to beginners. Terrestrial orchids are usually grown in an orchid bark & enriched potting soil mix and need to be kept moist but not overly wet. Epiphytic orchids in orchid pots with bark or attached to slabs of tree ferns can be drenched or dunked and then drained. The roots should not sit in water very long. Some experimentation will be needed to determine frequency of waterings.

Phalaenopsis Jungo Magenta
Phalaenopsis Jungo Magenta. Photo by dmp2024

There are so many species of orchids to choose from but beginning orchid enthusiasts might start off with dendrobium species. Dendrobiums are one of the largest and most diverse orchid genera made up of numerous species as well as hybrids. They are even sold at my local grocery store. Dendrobiums are known for their brightly colored flowers that usually bloom in clusters along long stems. They are relatively easy to care for and tolerate typical household conditions.

Phalaenopsis orchids are another large genus that are tolerant of a range of household conditions so are ideal for beginners. Plants can tolerate a little less light than many other species so east windows work well. Nighttime drops in temperature are important to initiate new flower stalks.

Those with cooler growing spaces might want to try Cymbidiums. These plants are just gorgeous in bloom with their long-lasting sprays of colorful flowers. Cool temperatures and bright light are keys to healthy, floriferous plants.

Lady slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) have distinctive pouch-shaped blooms, similar to our native lady slippers. They are terrestrial orchids preferring a very well-draining potting mix and indirect light.

If orchids are just too alluring, try to attend an orchid show or two, visit local garden centers that sell orchids and can answer your questions about them, or even check out the resources at the American Orchid Society (https://www.aos.org/) to find out information about caring for these beautiful, mysterious and addictive plants. For basic orchid information or if you have any other gardening questions, contact the UConn Home & Garden Education at (877) 486-6271 or www.homegarden.cahnr,uconn.edu or your local Cooperative Extension Center.