How to Grow Miniature Orchids

Grow the orchid in a window with bright, but filtered sunlight. Leave colors will be medium green with the right sunlight exposure, but with the wrong exposure, leaves may turn different colors. If the sunlight is too much for the orchid, the leaves will turn a light green or burn. If leaves turn brown, the leaf could have sunburn and the plant needs to be moved to a more suitable location. During winter, plants need light exposure such as found in a southern window.

Keep room temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (F) during the day and at least 10 degrees F cooler during the night. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees F, the mini-orchid will stop growing until the temperatures warm again. Plants will die when temperatures fall below 40 degrees F.

Water the miniature orchids with rain or tap water about once a week during summer months and reduce watering to every seven to 14 days during the winter months. Orchids don't like soggy soil. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings during the summer and soak thoroughly.

Fertilize the miniature orchid during the spring and summer using 10-15-10 NPK every two and three weeks. Use 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. per every gallon of water. Don't fertilize the orchid in fall and winter, as the plant growth slows down for dormancy in winter.

Place a drainage tray filled with gravel underneath the container to catch runoff when watering the plant. The excess water will provide humidity around the plant, providing it with the needed humidity indoors. Don't omit the gravel or the plant roots will sit in the water, which can cause root rot.