How to Care for Potted Orchids Indoors

Hang grow lights 6 inches above the top of your orchids to provide the necessary supplemental lighting indoor-grown orchids require. This is especially important during the winter months when natural light is sparse. The orchid’s foliage will tell you if the plant is receiving adequate light. Dark green foliage is a sign of insufficient light. Green-yellow foliage, or black spots, is a sign of too much light. The ideal color of orchid foliage is midgreen.

Support the orchid foliage and flowers as needed. Use twist ties or orchid clips to secure the plant material to the support. Small stakes are ideal for attaching the flower stems to help keep them upright. Vining orchids, such as the vanilla orchid, will require the use of a trellis system or larger pole lined with coconut fiber. Consider the size of the flower stem or orchid when choosing a trellis or stake, and select an appropriate-size support so it does not overpower the orchid.

Water your orchids with room-temperature rainwater or distilled water, or allow tap water to sit in an open bucket overnight so the chlorine will evaporate. A good rule of thumb is to water orchids that are actively growing once or twice a week, depending on the moisture level of the bark or growing medium. Water resting orchids every two to three weeks so the bark has a chance to partially dry out. Mist orchids daily. Sit the pots in a tray of pebbles filled with water to maintain the humidity level around the orchids.

Select a fertilizer designed for orchids. In the event an orchid fertilizer is not available in your area, use a regular houseplant fertilizer at half of the weakest recommended dosage. Follow the label directions carefully regardless of the type of fertilizer you select. Do not over-feed orchids. Fertilize healthy plants that are actively growing every second or third watering, on average. If the label on the fertilizer you select recommends a different feeding schedule, follow the one it recommends.

Allow orchids to rest during the winter months. The resting period varies depending on the type of orchid; sometimes it is a few weeks, and sometimes it is a few months. Some orchids will drop their foliage during this time, while others will not. Some will flower, but most will not. Decrease watering during this time. There is no need to feed the orchids while they are resting. Once you see new growth begin to emerge, start your routine care of the plant over again.