The Best Orchid Care

Potting Mix

• Many popular orchid species, such as Dendrobium, Cattleya and Phalaenopsis, are epiphytic plants, meaning that they use thick, fleshy roots to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air around them. When grown as a houseplant, orchids require a coarse, well-draining potting mix. Create a homemade, organic orchid potting mix by combining equal parts sphagnum peat moss, charcoal, redwood bark, perlite and cork. Pot the orchid in a planting container that is just slightly larger than the container it came in. For best results, plant the orchid at the same level it was growing in its previous container.

Sunlight

• Orchids perform best in bright, filtered sunlight, which isn't too surprising considering that orchids are often found growing among the trees in their native rainforest climates. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves of your orchid to burn, while too little light will prevent the orchid from blooming. For best results, place the orchid within four feet of a south-facing window where it can receive four to five hours of bright, but indirect, sunlight daily.

Water and Humidity

• Learning how to properly water your orchid is essential, as over-watering is a quick and easy way to kill an otherwise healthy houseplant. Water your orchid once a week with 3/4 to 1 cup of warm water (between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit). Allow the potting mix to dry slightly before you water again. Indoor air is frequently too dry for moisture-loving plants like orchids; run a cool mist humidifier in the room where your orchid is kept to provide it with a little extra humidity.

Fertilize

• Orchids are hungry houseplants that benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season. While it is possible to fertilize orchids with an all-purpose fertilizer, they perform best when fed with a product that has been specially formulated for use with orchids. Fertilize the orchid weekly while the plant is actively producing new growth. Reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month once the orchid's new spring growth begins to mature. It is not necessary to fertilize your orchid during the fall and winter months, when the plant is not actively growing.

Re-pot

• Orchids have vigorous root systems that can quickly and easily outgrow their planting containers. That's why the University of Tennessee, the Arizona Cooperative Extension and others recommend re-potting your orchid every one to two years. The best time to re-pot is between February and July, when the plant is busy producing new roots. Remove the orchid from its planting container, discard the old potting mix and rinse the roots under warm running water until clean. Use a sharp, sterile gardening knife to cut away any brown or mushy roots; healthy roots will feel strong and turgid. Re-pot the orchid in fresh potting mix.