How to Grow Orchids in Moss

Keep single orchids in a heavy 4- to 6-inch pot with a drainage hole to balance the tall plants and guarantee good drainage. Orchids rot in standing water and may break and die if they tip over.

Use soft, porous potting material such as peat moss for potting to give orchid roots drainage, nutrition and air circulation. Orchid roots must breathe consistently or they'll rot. Fill the pot 3/4 full of peat moss and lay the orchid bulbs and roots across the foundation. Pack more peat moss around and over the roots to secure them.

Push an orchid stake into the moss next to any flower spikes and clip or tie the spikes to the stakes for support. This action also secures the peat moss in the pot.

Put your orchid in an indoor spot where it receives bright, indirect light all day. North- or south-facing windows are ideal for these plants, which like to have indirect light but burn in direct light. If you don't have a window available, grow your orchids under artificial lights. If you want to put them outdoors, put them out for early morning sun in the summer but bring them in during the afternoon. Don't put the sensitive plants outdoors during winter.

Water orchids once every seven to 10 days, or when you notice that the moss is dry, with 2 inches of water. Orchids prefer dry foundations to wet ones and should receive water only when they begin to dry out.

Add water-soluble orchid fertilizer to one watering a month to feed the orchids. Mix the fertilizer per the directions on the package, then water the orchid as usual with the supplemented water. Increase these feedings to once a week during periods of active growth and blooming.