How to Take Care of Assorted Orchid Plants

Pick a bright, sunny location for your indoor orchid. A lack of light can cause some orchids to produce foliage without blooms. Ensure your plant has as much light as it can handle without the leaves burning. A light, yellowish green color indicates the plant is receiving adequate sunlight; if the foliage is too dark, this means the plant is not getting enough. Miltonias, phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums should not be left directly in front of a window, but rather in a bright room. Cattleyas, dendrobiums and oncidiums typically do well near a window that receives a lot of sunlight during the day.

Keep outdoor orchids, such as epiphytes, in light shade; they should never be left in direct sunlight for more than an hour or two. For most varieties, morning sun and shade during the afternoon is ideal.

Ensure adequate ventilation. In order to remain healthy and produce vibrant blooms, orchids require good air movement. They should never be left in a stuffy room or in an enclosed area, such as inside a bookcase or, if outdoors, close to large trees or structures. Place your orchid out in the open and, if leaving windows open is not an option for an indoor plant, turn on a fan in the room, but make sure that the air is not blowing directly onto the orchid.

Keep the area humid: 50 to 70 percent is ideal for most plants. If your orchid is indoors, this can be accomplished with a humidifier or keeping the plant's pot resting on pebbles sitting in water. Miltonias, often referred to as pansy orchids, will not flower without consistent high levels of humidity. Outdoor plants should be taken inside if the air is too dry or cold.

Water paphiopedilum, miltonia, cymbidium and odontoglossum orchid varieties on a regular basis, keeping them evenly moist without being soggy or dry. Cattleya, oncidium, brassia and dendrobium varieties should be watered in the same manner, although they should be allowed to dry out when not actively blooming.

Water phalaenopsis, vanda and ascocenda varieties sparingly. These types of orchids should be completely dry between waterings whether actively growing or not.

Water potted orchids until water freely runs from the drain hole at the bottom of the pot. While this may seem like too much, the specialized potting mix used for orchids does not contain any soil; therefore, the plant requires more water to saturate the mix. Watering in this manner also helps to wash out salt accumulation at the roots, helping the plant to bloom.

Water at the roots only. Allowing the foliage of the orchid to become wet can promote the growth of diseases and attract certain pests that could be harmful to your plant.

Fertilize your orchid once a week during the summer and twice a month during the fall and winter. Using a high quality orchid fertilizer that does not contain urea. Plan your feedings for directly after your orchid has been watered; the water will help the orchid to absorb the nutrients. In most cases, it is best to only use half of the amount of fertilizer suggested by the manufacturer. Orchids will typically bloom for a long period with less fertilizer. Too much feeding can hinder blooms or burn the foliage of the plant.

Examine the foliage and blooms of your orchid regularly. Keep an eye out for small white or black bugs, webbing between leaves and snails or slugs near the roots or base of the plant. If any of these pests are present, treat your plant accordingly. In many cases, rubbing alcohol or soapy water can effectively remove harmful pests without damaging an otherwise healthy orchid.

Re-pot indoor orchids as needed. In general, orchids grow very slowly. Despite this, there will come a time in your plant's life that it needs to be re-potted, typically every two to three years. Using a high quality orchid potting mix, or making your own, gently remove your orchid from its existing pot and replant it in a larger one. This will allow for the roots to remain healthy, promoting new growth and blooms.

Provide support for outdoor orchids, especially those of the epiphyte variety. If you keep your orchids outdoors they should be kept in open weave baskets or allowed to grow on trees or bark supports. As the orchid grows, continue to add natural bark at the roots of the orchid to provide support. Orchids are naturally open air plants, meaning they should not be planted in the ground. Their outdoor environment should be monitored to make sure the roots have someplace to go as they spread.