Orchids That Survive in Warm Home Temperatures

Oncidium

• The elegant yellow Oncidium orchid is a high-heat orchid, enjoying daytime temperatures in the 80s, according to the University of Tennessee's publication "Growing Orchids in the Home." This is made more tolerable by Oncidium's lower humidity needs; even 30 percent humidity is sufficient, much less than the typical tropical orchid. At night, temperatures should not drop below 55 degrees F.

Cattleya

• The delicate cattleya orchid also savors the heat, with ideal daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F. Humidity should be 50 to 60 percent, according to the University of Tennessee. At night, they need temperatures to fall 15 to 20 degrees F from the daytime temperatures, as this mimics the natural temperature drop in the wild.

Phalaenopsis

• Another warmth-loving orchid is the broad-faced white moth orchid known as the Phalaenopsis, which also appreciates daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F. Its required humidity levels of 60 to 70 percent make the heat feel more intense. At night, temperatures should hover above 60 degrees F -- convenient for homes that stay gently heated at night.

Temperature Considerations

• Orchids thrive in home conditions, but they need variation between day and night temperatures in order to blossom. They also require a month of lower temperatures -- typically below 78 degrees F -- in the spring to initiate blossoming. The key to orchid health is to keep the temperature as consistent as possible, gradually altering it as the seasons change so as not to shock the orchid. Extreme fluctuation may cause bud drop, while careful temperature control encourages healthy, long-living flowers in the home.