How to Grow Orchids in New England

The six states of New England make up the northeastern-most region of the United States. They are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island. All New England states have numerous native species of plants in the large orchid family. Because native plants are perfectly adapted to their climate zone, you needn’t worry about freezing winter weather killing them. If you can find an orchid native to your region, such as one of the members of the Cypripedium genus, or lady slipper types, it’s a sure bet for success.

Acidic potting soil
Leaf litter
Pine needles
Pot with drainage hole
Filtered sunlight

Instructions

- 1
  Transplant a nursery-grown native orchid into a decorative pot or into the ground during the dormant season, from fall through winter.
- 2
  Prepare a potting mixture by combining a purchased acidic potting soil, such as that designed for azaleas, with a small amount of pine needles and leaf litter. For each gallon of potting mixture, use primarily purchased potting soil and one handful of the other ingredients.
- 3
  Place a small amount of your prepared mixture in a pot or till it into the soil in a partly shady area. Then set your orchid into the planting hole and gently fill with additional potting mix.
- 4
  Water your native New England orchid until the soil or potting mix is saturated. Keep the soil moist but not soggy by watering it when rains do not occur.
- 5
  Fertilize your native New England orchid with special orchid plant food once each month, beginning in spring and continuing until fall. Follow product instructions for correct mixing and application.

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