Most people do not live in a region where the local weather is conducive to growing orchids all year outdoors; so they prefer to pot them and grow them inside. Orchid lovers are usually motivated enough to make accommodations for their "babies," and they make sure they understand the orchid's needs.
Before purchasing just any orchid for your home, you will want to recognize which ones are the most conducive for indoor growing. Most of the best indoor orchids are hybrids that have been engineered for just such domestication and they are purposely engineered to yield particularly beautiful blooms and colors. Most of them are also what are referred to as Epiphytic plants, which means they have their root system above ground and can flourish on tree trunks, moss, and other organic structures. Most have similar requirements with minor variations.
Epiphytic orchids should be given a good drenching shower and then allowing them to drain. They should not be allowed to soak in water.
Orchids need good ventilation, and feed off of nutrients found in the air. Their natural environment is high off the ground where there is plenty of circulation.
A good memory technique for fertilizing your orchids is; during the growth stage fertilize weekly (weakly, as in 50% strength, weekly as in once a week). During the resting months, fertilize a couple of times per month.
Lighting is a bit paradoxical for orchids. They love light, but not too much. Don't allow them to get a lot of direct sunlight (this is only true for most). Most of them are accustomed to growing in regions with bright sunshine, but are protected from the heat and direct light by the overgrowth of the trees and plants that they grow on.
You can't live in a steam room, nevertheless orchids will still require humidity. This can be remedied by placing a humidity tray with pebbles and water underneath the orchid's pot. The foliage can be given moisture by spraying them when you water..
The 7 orchid species detailed below can thrive fine in a home with a controlled environment, although some of their temperature necessities will fluctuate somewhat. But the plants commonly do need some difference between day and evening temperatures; between 70 and 80 degrees throughout the day, and between 60 and 70 degrees at night works best.
Again, these are general requirements. Your plant's requirements may differ slightly.
If you are searching for an orchid, there are 7 options which are best for growing orchids indoors, these are;
Phalaenopsis - Called the "Moth Orchid," it is fairly accommodating and can handle room temperatures and moderate lighting. It is one of the most popular and common household orchids. They do not like too much direct sunlight, but do require a sufficient level of indirect light.
Cattleya - Cattleya orchids are hybridized more than any other species because of their huge colorful flowers. But unlike the majority of their cousins, they do want a greater amount of direct light. This species is not very scented in spite of their vibrant appearance.
Dendrobiums - This is the largest genus of the Orchid family. Most of the "Dendrobiums" for sale in in stores, are in fact Dendrobium-Phalaenopsis hybrids. But these hybrids typically need a little more light, humidity, and water than the basic Phalaenopsis.
Oncidiums - This is yet another commonly hybridized species owing to its large leaves and blooms and how undemanding they are to grow. They seem to be unaffected while exposed to direct sunlight a little more than the Phalaenopsis.
Miltonia - These orchids are not fond of direct light and should be shaded at all times. They are easy to grow inside due to this, however they can be very easily injured by too much light. They are not very particular about temperatures though.
Epidendrum - This is a huge orchid genus, and is related to the Cattleya. Most, but not all Epidendrum orchids are epiphytic. They have smaller narrow petals and can vary in appearance and size. They can be regarded in a similar manner as the Cattleya.
Paphiopedilum - Commonly known as the "Lady Slipper Orchid," these orchids like lots of water, and in the growing months they may need watering as much as every 3 or 4 days. Fertilize moderately at a weakened strength once a month. Lighting needs are similar to the Phalaenopsis.
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Roberta W Smothers writes for Lump-Sum Marketing, and has composed content for http://orchidgrowingtoday.com. She is a horticulturalist and an avid home gardener.
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