Caring for Orchids – the Basics

CARING FOR ORCHIDS - THE BASICS

That beautiful orchid can bloom again and again for many years with just a few simple basics. Your orchids will thrive with the right amount of light and water, temperature and humidity level. Let's take a closer look.

  • The best place for your orchid plants is on a nice sunny windowsill with morning and afternoon sun that is free from drafts (a window with southern exposure would be best). If the window is large and the sunlight intense, then it may be better to set them about 20 inches back from the windowpane. Orchids like bright sunlight but also need a period of time in the shade. Just watch how they do and you'll soon see what location is best.
  • If you don't have a sunny windowsill, you can use fluorescent lighting. They will need at least 12 hours under the lights to insure healthy growth and flowering. Fluorescent lights made for plants would be best.
  • Providing the right amount of water is of course the most important requirement. To make sure they get the right amount of water first, understand the water needs of your particular species; and second, water only when the potting soil or growing medium is dry. Orchids potted in a bark mix or clay pot need more frequent watering.
  • Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity level is also important. Placing the pots on decorative pebbles in a water-filled tray will help maintain the humidity level at a desirable level. Misting the plants is a good practice too, but do not soak them because that can cause bacterial or fungal diseases to develop. Each species has different optimum temperatures. But ordinarily, most orchid species will adapt themselves well to their home environment and will grow nicely.

Orchid species Cattleya labiata Sherwood Forest AM AOS
Orchid species Cattleya labiata Sherwood Forest AM AOS $39.00 (5 Bids)
Time Remaining: 31m

L purpurata v sanguinea Harfords Gabriel Award quality
L purpurata v sanguinea Harfords Gabriel Award quality $250.00 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 34m

Orchid species Cattleya maxima
Orchid species Cattleya maxima $50.99 (13 Bids)
Time Remaining: 35m

49Blc Emily Simmons Mendenhall AM AOS Nice Healthy Stunning New Leads
49Blc Emily Simmons Mendenhall AM AOS Nice Healthy Stunning New Leads $7.09 (3 Bids)
Time Remaining: 36m

Laelia gouldiana Loch Raven orchid species
Laelia gouldiana Loch Raven orchid species $50.00
Time Remaining: 36m

Cyc barthiorum SVO AM AOS Hybrid Orchid Plant
Cyc barthiorum SVO AM AOS Hybrid Orchid Plant $25.01 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 38m

Dendrobium wasselii XL Orchid specimen
Dendrobium wasselii XL Orchid specimen $50.00
Time Remaining: 41m

50BlcWaianae Leopard Ching Hua HCC AOS BUDDED Magnificent Plant A Must
50BlcWaianae Leopard Ching Hua HCC AOS BUDDED Magnificent Plant A Must $15.50 (7 Bids)
Time Remaining: 42m

100 Blc Goldenzelle Lemon Chiffon AM AOS Large Healthy Magnificent Plant
100 Blc Goldenzelle Lemon Chiffon AM AOS Large Healthy Magnificent Plant $20.50 (8 Bids)
Time Remaining: 43m

D7 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow
D7 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow $11.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 43m

D3 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow
D3 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow $11.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 43m

D11 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow
D11 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow $11.99
Time Remaining: 43m
Buy It Now for only: $21.99

D6 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow
D6 Pot Burana Angel Hsinying NEW Budded Not Attending Redlands Sale Wow $11.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 43m

101C loddigesii coerulea x Cschilleriana Very NICE Incredible IN SHEATH
101C loddigesii coerulea x Cschilleriana Very NICE Incredible IN SHEATH $14.00 (4 Bids)
Time Remaining: 44m

Orchid species Laelia anceps veitchiana
Orchid species Laelia anceps veitchiana $24.00 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 44m

Maxillaria grandiflora Loch Raven BS Orchid species
Maxillaria grandiflora Loch Raven BS Orchid species $45.00
Time Remaining: 44m

102 2 Plants Brs Rex Waiomao Spotless FCC AOS BEST Ready to re pot Nice
102 2 Plants Brs Rex Waiomao Spotless FCC AOS BEST Ready to re pot Nice $5.99
Time Remaining: 45m

103Blc Tsutung Beauty Taiyoung 3 Brothers Healthy BUDDED Magnificent WOW
103Blc Tsutung Beauty Taiyoung 3 Brothers Healthy BUDDED Magnificent WOW $16.78 (6 Bids)
Time Remaining: 46m

Paphiopedilum hirsuttissimum Select 8 multi growth BS plant
Paphiopedilum hirsuttissimum Select 8 multi growth BS plant $45.00 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 46m

104Blc Lius Joyance Tai Young 8 Stunning Magnificent WOW Superb NEW
104Blc Lius Joyance Tai Young 8 Stunning Magnificent WOW Superb NEW $7.75 (4 Bids)
Time Remaining: 47m

105C Intermedia Alba varPine Knot NEW BUDDED Fragrant Magnificent WOW
105C Intermedia Alba varPine Knot NEW BUDDED Fragrant Magnificent WOW $21.09 (18 Bids)
Time Remaining: 48m

106Vanilla planifolia Hard to Find Variegated FormVanilla Extract Plant Wow
106Vanilla planifolia Hard to Find Variegated FormVanilla Extract Plant Wow $9.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 49m

Cattleya loddigesii v harrisoniana Danelle veryselect
Cattleya loddigesii v harrisoniana Danelle veryselect $66.00 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 49m

107 C Atalanta Hawaii NEW Must SEE Great Award Potential Outstanding WOW
107 C Atalanta Hawaii NEW Must SEE Great Award Potential Outstanding WOW $6.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 50m

108 Den Gatton Sunray Pendulous Flowers Landscaping Plant Oldie but goodie
108 Den Gatton Sunray Pendulous Flowers Landscaping Plant Oldie but goodie $7.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 51m

Orchid Cattleya Blc Nacouchee Linda Rosa
Orchid Cattleya Blc Nacouchee Linda Rosa $30.00 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 51m

109 C Penang Black Caesar AM AOS New Healthy Award Potential Incredible
109 C Penang Black Caesar AM AOS New Healthy Award Potential Incredible $6.49 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 52m

Paph Cooksonii druryi x rothschildianum BS Orchid
Paph Cooksonii druryi x rothschildianum BS Orchid $55.00
Time Remaining: 52m

110Eplc Mae Bly Ching Hua SplashLarge Healthy Robust Must SEE Nice Roots
110Eplc Mae Bly Ching Hua SplashLarge Healthy Robust Must SEE Nice Roots $8.99
Time Remaining: 53m

111 Ctna Mama Evangeline Paradise NEW Must SEE Very Nice easy 2 grow
111 Ctna Mama Evangeline Paradise NEW Must SEE Very Nice easy 2 grow $7.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 54m

112Blc Apache Sunrise Waiomao Sunshine Hard to Find Limited item Beautiful
112Blc Apache Sunrise Waiomao Sunshine Hard to Find Limited item Beautiful $23.05 (6 Bids)
Time Remaining: 55m

Phal schilleriana Harfords Rose AM AOS last one
Phal schilleriana Harfords Rose AM AOS last one $60.00
Time Remaining: 56m

Potinara Eye Candy Sweet Sensaton Blooming Sized Orchid Plant Mini Catt
Potinara Eye Candy Sweet Sensaton Blooming Sized Orchid Plant Mini Catt $9.45 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 56m

113BlcMarcia Foster Bob SankerAM AOS NEW Very Healthy Magnificent Plant
113BlcMarcia Foster Bob SankerAM AOS NEW Very Healthy Magnificent Plant $5.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 56m

114 2 Plants Blc Everything Nice Showtime NEW Very NICE Commendable WoW
114 2 Plants Blc Everything Nice Showtime NEW Very NICE Commendable WoW $5.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 57m

Platycerium elephantotis angolense Staghorn Fern very limited
Platycerium elephantotis angolense Staghorn Fern very limited $75.00
Time Remaining: 57m

Cischweinfia horrichii Rare Orchid Species Plant Blooming Sized Nice
Cischweinfia horrichii Rare Orchid Species Plant Blooming Sized Nice $8.99
Time Remaining: 58m

115Blc Waianae Leopard x Ctna Why Not Paradise NEW Healthy Spectacular
115Blc Waianae Leopard x Ctna Why Not Paradise NEW Healthy Spectacular $9.99 (5 Bids)
Time Remaining: 58m

O1Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer
O1Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer $10.00 (3 Bids)
Time Remaining: 58m

116Blc Samba Splendor Carmela Fragrant Healthy Very Showy Outstanding
116Blc Samba Splendor Carmela Fragrant Healthy Very Showy Outstanding $5.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 59m

117 Blc Mem Helen Brown Ta Hsin New Limited Item Very NICE Incredible
117 Blc Mem Helen Brown Ta Hsin New Limited Item Very NICE Incredible $15.50 (8 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h

118Lc Schilleriana Paradise Blue NEW Clone Stunning Blue Compact Amazing
118Lc Schilleriana Paradise Blue NEW Clone Stunning Blue Compact Amazing $7.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 1m

Cattleychea Caribbean jewel orchid hibrid
Cattleychea Caribbean jewel orchid hibrid $17.50
Time Remaining: 1h 2m
Buy It Now for only: $17.50

119Blc Good News DorisNEW Award Potential Strong roots Spectacular plant
119Blc Good News DorisNEW Award Potential Strong roots Spectacular plant $7.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 2m

120 Epi Hula Dancer Paradise Orange NEW Hawaiian Epi Large 1 bud spike
120 Epi Hula Dancer Paradise Orange NEW Hawaiian Epi Large 1 bud spike $9.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 3m

O2Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer
O2Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer $8.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 3m

121Pot Samantha Duncan Red Hot NEW CLONE BUDDED Compact Mini Must Have
121Pot Samantha Duncan Red Hot NEW CLONE BUDDED Compact Mini Must Have $9.78 (3 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 4m

122Slc Seagulls Laurel Hollow x Blc Toshie Aoki Paradise BUDDED Superb
122Slc Seagulls Laurel Hollow x Blc Toshie Aoki Paradise BUDDED Superb $10.50 (3 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 5m

123 2 Plants Lc Callistoglossa var Alba TaylorNEW Ready to re pot Healthy
123 2 Plants Lc Callistoglossa var Alba TaylorNEW Ready to re pot Healthy $8.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 6m

Paphiopedilum Paph chamberlainianum Select 1 Award Quality in bud
Paphiopedilum Paph chamberlainianum Select 1 Award Quality in bud $100.00
Time Remaining: 1h 6m

124 2 Plants Blc Pamela Finney Victory NEW Fragrant Magnificent Plant Wow
124 2 Plants Blc Pamela Finney Victory NEW Fragrant Magnificent Plant Wow $4.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 7m

Paph Vanda M Pearman bellatulum x delenatii IN BLOOM shipped in pot
Paph Vanda M Pearman bellatulum x delenatii IN BLOOM shipped in pot $15.00 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 7m

125Pot Paradise Ruby Sweetie NEW Great Roots XLRG NICE Ready to Re pot
125Pot Paradise Ruby Sweetie NEW Great Roots XLRG NICE Ready to Re pot $6.49 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 8m

126 2 Plants Blc Ann Cleo Laina AM AOS NEW Ready to re pot NICE Healthy
126 2 Plants Blc Ann Cleo Laina AM AOS NEW Ready to re pot NICE Healthy $7.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 9m

127 Lc Melecio Huerta Senor Perfecto LRG Magnificent BUDDED Excellent
127 Lc Melecio Huerta Senor Perfecto LRG Magnificent  BUDDED Excellent $9.49 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 10m

Epicat Frances Dyer X Cat gaskelliana Nr Blm Sz orchid plant
Epicat Frances Dyer X Cat gaskelliana Nr Blm Sz orchid plant $7.99
Time Remaining: 1h 11m

128 2Plants Pot ElaineTaylor Krull SmithFCC AOS NEW Ready to re pot Healthy
128 2Plants Pot ElaineTaylor Krull SmithFCC AOS NEW Ready to re pot Healthy $15.77 (5 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 11m

BULBOPHYLLUM ROTHCHILDIANUM RED CHIMNEY ORCHID previously bloomed
BULBOPHYLLUM ROTHCHILDIANUM RED CHIMNEY ORCHID previously bloomed $22.00
Time Remaining: 1h 12m
Buy It Now for only: $24.50

129OtrMaui Maid x Doctor Joe Walker Paradise NEW Great Roots 1 New Lead
129OtrMaui Maid x Doctor Joe Walker Paradise NEW Great Roots 1 New Lead $7.99
Time Remaining: 1h 12m

BIN Sc Royal Beau Alii NEW Mini Catt Cute Must SEE Outstanding Color
BIN Sc Royal Beau Alii NEW Mini Catt Cute Must SEE Outstanding Color $17.99
Time Remaining: 1h 12m
Buy It Now for only: $17.99

130BlcDals Rapture Water Color NEW Lavish Painted Lip Healthy STUNNING
130BlcDals Rapture Water Color NEW Lavish Painted Lip Healthy STUNNING $8.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 13m

131 Blc Arom Gold Mu Fragrant Award Quality Healthy New Lead Superb Wow
131 Blc Arom Gold Mu Fragrant Award Quality Healthy New Lead Superb Wow $7.65 (4 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 14m

132 Lc Dinard Blue Heaven AM AOS Big Blue Large Healthy In Sheath WoW
132 Lc Dinard Blue Heaven AM AOS Big Blue Large  Healthy In Sheath WoW $22.50 (8 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 15m

133 Lctna Jill Sidran x Epi stamfordianum Paradise NEW Magnificent Plant
133 Lctna Jill Sidran x Epi stamfordianum Paradise NEW Magnificent Plant $7.99
Time Remaining: 1h 16m

134Blc Lawless Freischutz x Slc Seagulls Laurel Hollow Paradise NEW NICE
134Blc Lawless Freischutz x Slc Seagulls Laurel Hollow Paradise NEW NICE $7.99
Time Remaining: 1h 17m

Phrag Mem Dick Clements Big Blooming Sized Orchid Plant A Classic
Phrag Mem Dick Clements Big Blooming Sized Orchid Plant A Classic $61.00 (18 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 17m

135 C labiata v rubra Schuller x rubra CH XLRG In Sheath Fragrant WOW
135 C labiata v rubra Schuller x rubra CH XLRG In Sheath Fragrant WOW $21.50 (4 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 18m

Paph Brian Bevis acmodontum x philippinense Dragon Bronze IN FLOWER BUD
Paph Brian Bevis acmodontum x philippinense Dragon Bronze IN FLOWER  BUD $15.50 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 19m

136 PotAlyce Kaiser x Hunting Island New Very Nice Fragrant Extraordinary
136 PotAlyce Kaiser x Hunting Island New Very Nice Fragrant Extraordinary $5.99
Time Remaining: 1h 19m

Oncidium Twinkle orchid seedling a miniature will put out charming flowers
Oncidium Twinkle orchid seedling a miniature will put out charming flowers $9.49
Time Remaining: 1h 19m
Buy It Now for only: $9.49

137Lc CG Roebling Sentinel Nice Blue Healthy Good Roots WOW Stunning
137Lc CG Roebling Sentinel Nice Blue Healthy Good Roots WOW Stunning $7.99
Time Remaining: 1h 20m

138C Nigritian King of Kings x Blc Bryce Canyon Lake View New Leads LRG
138C Nigritian King of Kings x Blc Bryce Canyon Lake View New Leads LRG $8.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 21m

139Blc Hausermanns Holiday Christmas AM AOS NEW Fragrant New Lead WOW
139Blc Hausermanns Holiday Christmas AM AOS NEW Fragrant New Lead WOW $6.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 22m

140Pot Regal Red ParadiseNEW Must See Award Quality Fragrant Magnificent
140Pot Regal Red ParadiseNEW Must See Award Quality Fragrant Magnificent $7.99
Time Remaining: 1h 23m

141Blc Edisto Mendenhall AM AOS NEW Healthy Gorgeous Plant Breathtaking
141Blc Edisto Mendenhall AM AOS NEW Healthy Gorgeous Plant Breathtaking $9.50 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 24m

142BlcJeremy Island Carmela NEWMust See Award QualityFragrant Incredible
142BlcJeremy Island Carmela NEWMust See Award QualityFragrant Incredible $8.00 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 25m

143Blc Cherry Suisse Kauai HCC AOS DARK Potential In Sheath Astronomical
143Blc Cherry Suisse Kauai HCC AOS DARK Potential In Sheath Astronomical $6.99 (3 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 26m

Paph stonei X insigne v sanderae HUGE Blooming Sized Orchid Plant
Paph stonei X insigne v sanderae HUGE Blooming Sized Orchid Plant $15.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 26m

144 Pot Mem Harriet George Glendale Heights NEW Must SEE Award Quality
144 Pot Mem Harriet George Glendale Heights NEW Must SEE Award Quality $7.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 27m

Cattleya intermedia v alba Pineknot Orchid Plant in bud
Cattleya intermedia v alba Pineknot Orchid Plant in bud $21.50 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 27m

172 Lycaste deppei Excellent Grower Fragrant A MUST HAVE IN BLOOM
172 Lycaste deppei Excellent Grower Fragrant A MUST HAVE IN BLOOM $20.50 (6 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 28m

O4Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer
O4Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer $8.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 28m

Cattleya jenmanii v semi alba species Orchid Plant
Cattleya jenmanii v semi alba species Orchid Plant $22.75
Time Remaining: 1h 30m

O5Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer
O5Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer $15.50 (5 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1h 32m

O6Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer
O6Blc Toshie Aoki Starburst AM AOS BUDDED Special Extraordinary Bloomer $8.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1h 34m

Torre & Tagus 16-Inch Orchid Potted Single Stem, White
Torre & Tagus 16-Inch Orchid Potted Single Stem, White
List Price: $43.75
Sale Price: $24.44
You save: $19.31 (44%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Torre & Tagus Orchid Potted Single Stem 16-Inch, Purple
Torre & Tagus Orchid Potted Single Stem 16-Inch, Purple
List Price: $43.75
Sale Price: $32.98
You save: $10.77 (25%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Everblooming White Orchids
Everblooming White Orchids
List Price: $14.95
Sale Price: $4.54
You save: $10.41 (70%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Hoffman 10804 Organic Special Orchid Mix, 4 Quarts
Hoffman 10804 Organic Special Orchid Mix, 4 Quarts
List Price: $15.10
Sale Price: $5.85
You save: $9.25 (61%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Artificial Triple-stem Phalaenopsis Orchid Arrangement Lavender
Artificial Triple-stem Phalaenopsis Orchid Arrangement Lavender
List Price: $78.00
Sale Price: $39.99
You save: $38.01 (49%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Artificial 17
Artificial 17" Mini Phalaenopsis Orchid, Green
List Price: $30.00
Sale Price: $14.99
You save: $15.01 (50%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Umbra Orchid Jewelry Tree
Umbra Orchid Jewelry Tree
List Price: $21.99
Sale Price: $19.99
You save: $2.00 (9%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Torre & Tagus Orchid Potted Single Stem, 28-Inch, Purple
Torre & Tagus Orchid Potted Single Stem, 28-Inch, Purple
List Price: $60.00
Sale Price: $35.90
You save: $24.10 (40%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Platin Art Peel n'Stick Prints Wall Decals, Orchid Reflection
Platin Art Peel n'Stick Prints Wall Decals, Orchid Reflection
Sale Price: $13.49
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours