A Tree Spider Orchid

Container Selection and Potting Medium

• Place the spider orchid in a potting medium made especially for orchids, containing peat moss and perlite. Orchids also grow well in a mixture growing mediums such as redwood bark, peat moss, charcoal and sand, according to the University of Tennessee Extension. The chosen container should have slits down the side for drainage. If you select a plastic container, let the soil dry completely before watering. If you use a clay pot, the spider orchid will need more water because the soil will dry out quicker.

Location in the Home

• Set the spider orchid on a south-facing windowsill or a table near the window with sheers or blinds at the window for it to receive the proper amount of sunlight per day. This will produce healthier blooms. Observe the color of the leaves to determine if the orchid is receiving proper sunlight or too much sunlight. The leaves should be light to medium green. If darker, the spider tree orchid is receiving too much sunlight and may need to be moved to another location in the home where the sun isn't as bright in the afternoon. The temperature in the room should be between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with the nighttime temperature 10 degrees lower is crucial for its flowering process.

Watering and Humidity

• Spider tree orchids are used to constant watering and humid conditions in their natural habitat under the canopy of the tree it's attached to. Mist the leaves every morning with a spray bottle during the growing season. Water the orchid regularly. Spider tree orchids should not dry out between waterings. Water with lukewarm water in the sink letting the water run through the drainage holes for about 15 seconds. Orchids need a humidity range between 50 to 70 percent. Place the flower pot on a tray of gravel with water at the bottom of the tray, making sure the bottom of the flower pot does not touch the water for it can cause root rot.

Feeding

• Orchids, in general, are heavy feeders. Feed the spider tree orchid with an orchid fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer once a week for three weeks. On the fourth week, just use plain water to prevent root burn from over-feeding. The orchid fertilizes are already diluted. However, the balanced fertilizer must be diluted one-fourth of the recommended amount on the manufacturer's label. Water the orchid as you normally would followed by sprinkling the fertilizer on the soil and water again. During dormancy, do not fertilize but water the orchid every other week to keep the soil moist.