Orchids are one of the most popular flowering house plants, and for good reason. They are extremely unique; in tropical climates they can be found growing on the sides of trees! They produce some of the most beautiful and long-lasting blooms. And contrary to popular belief, they’re quite easy to care for.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Air and Light: When choosing a decorative pot, orchids will perform better in a traditional orchid pot with holes for breathing room. You may keep your orchid in a clear grower pot, which allows light to filter through. Place your orchid in a brightly lit window, but be careful that the area doesn’t get too hot.
2. Watering: Flush orchids with water once a week. If the plant feels light to you when you pick it up, it needs watering.
3. Fertilize: Fertilize once a week with a low-dose, diluted fertilizer. When dormant (when it’s not in bloom), fertilize every two weeks.

Here’s a list of a few of our favorite orchids:

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid): Commonly known as the Moth Orchid, this plant is one of the most popular and easiest to grow. They’re available in a multiple of colors: white, yellow, pink, red, purple, or with stripes or spots, and will last at least two months. Best of all, they can go up to 6 months or more with subsequent blooming, giving you a long-lasting display of vibrant color in your home.

Light: East, West or shaded South window.
Water: Never dry out between watering, but don’t over water.
Temperature: 65-70 nights and 70-85 days.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly” – One quarter to one half recommended dilution.

Cattleya (Corsage Orchid): Among the most commonly grown, this orchid’s flowers come in many colors, such as white, lavender, purple, yellow and red.  The flowers are often used as corsages. They also make beautiful additions to one’s home décor, and their blooms will last at least two months.

Light: Bright light. Some sun. An East, West or lightly shaded South window.
Water: Allow to dry slightly between waterings.
Temperature: 55-60 nights and 70-85 days.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly” – One quarter to one half recommended dilution.

Dendrobium (Spray Orchid): Easy to grow, and available in white, yellow, green, pink, red, purple, as well as striped and spotted. This orchid usually is in bloom for at least two months and sometimes up to five, once or twice a year. Cut dendrobiums are the most popular for arrangements and in vases.

Light: Bright light with up to 50% sun.
Water: Never dry out between watering, but don’t over water.
Temperature: 65-75 nights and 70-85 days.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly” – One quarter to one half recommended dilution. 

Oncidium (Dancing Lady): This orchid displays an abundance of delicate and intricately decorated blooms. They are usually seen with three or four long stems, making a beautiful statement in your home.  This orchid is quite easy to grow and available in yellow, red and mahogany. 

Light: Needs filtered light while in bloom.
Water: Never dry out between watering, but don’t over water.
Temperature: 65-70 nights and 70-85 days.
Fertilize: Monthly

Paphiopedilum: This orchid is commonly known as “lady’s slippers” or “slipper orchids” because of their shape. They’re unique, because they can’t be cloned to produce large numbers of the same plant. Like other orchids, they are compact plants. They usually produce single flowers, but the flowers they do produce are exquisite in shape and color.

Light: East, West or shaded South window.
Water: Never dry out between watering, but don’t over water.
Temperature: 55-65 nights and 70-85 days
Fertilize: Monthly.

Intergeneric: These orchids are created by crossing one orchid with another orchid with stunning results and long lasting flowers!Orchid breeders have created more than 100,000 orchid hybrids over the years, and many of the orchids sold today are hybrid orchids.

English Gardens 15th Annual Orchid Festival will be held Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12.  This annual event includes free seminars both days and a make it and take it workshop where participants will leave with a beautiful orchid garden they’ve created. Click here to learn more about the Orchid Festival and other events at English Gardens.

For more information on caring for your orchid plant, watch our video here.

Selection may vary by store.