What Is Necessary for an Orchid to Grow?

Potting Matter

• With the exception of rare terrestrial orchids that grow in the ground, orchids--namely, tropical orchids--grow as epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to a host, such as a tree. You can replicate this by tying your orchid to a tree or a piece of cork using biodegradable cotton string. If this is too dramatic a look, simply plant your orchid in a pot filled with fir tree bark, peat moss, charcoal or perlite.

Lighting

• Though different types of orchids vary slightly in their light requirements, they typically prefer bright areas where they are protected from direct sunlight. A few days scorching in the sun leads to sunburn, characterized by black, crispy spots that eventually crumble away. A sheer curtain protects orchids from direct sunlight, though setting orchids a few feet from the window in a bright room works just as well.

Humidity

• In their rain forest habitats, orchids receive a slight drenching in the humid heat, which means they need similar conditions in the home. Placing them next to a humidifier helps. On the University of California Davis website, master gardener Jeanne Rose recommends placing orchid pots in a tray filled with damp gravel. Alternatively, mist orchids in the morning to increase the humidity. A humidity level of 40 to 60 percent is ideal for most orchids, according to professor Kent Kobayashi on the University of Washington website. Just remember to open a window or turn on a ceiling fan to keep the air circulating whenever possible; this prevents fungal diseases and rot that can occur from high humidity.

Watering

• Orchids prefer to dry slightly between waterings, though they should not dry out completely. Watering once or twice a week should suffice, though they need less water during the dormant period in winter. Orchids with soft, thin leaves need more water than those with hard leaves, according to Kobayashi. The main thing to avoid when it comes to watering orchids is water-logging; soggy conditions prevent proper air circulation around the roots, and when salts build up at the bottom of the pot, roots may burn.

Fertilizing

• During the growing and blooming season, orchids need regular fertilizing, between once a week and once a month. Tropical orchids need more fertilizer than terrestrial orchids that grow in the soil. Fertilizers with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium--such as 10-10-10--is ideal, though it needs diluting to one-quarter its original strength to keep from scorching the roots.