Orchids are one of those tropical flowers that make a serious statement in your home — luring you in with their breathtaking blooms that come in a variety of colors. Their long-lasting flowers vary and include hues like pink, purple, white, orange, and yellow, to name a few.

To make things even more interesting, you can also find orchids with unique flowers that have spots or stripes too. With so many different colors and types of orchids to choose from, these tropical plants will surely add elegance and beauty to any living space!

Discover how to grow and care for your orchid indoors. Determine how much sunlight orchids need, when and how to water, and how often to apply fertilizer to your plant.

Materials Needed

There are a few things you will need to grow and care for your orchid.

  • Orchid transplant of your choice
  • Pot with drainage holes
  • Orchid growing medium
  • Watering can
  • Fertilizer

Step 1: Choose Your Orchid

Select your favorite type

Yellow moth orchid flower against a backdrop of pink blooms
Image credits: Ruandom Zhong via Pexels

With over 28,000 species of orchids, there is no shortage of orchid options for you to choose from and grow indoors as a houseplant! Among the best and most popular types of orchids include:

  • Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) — Moth orchids are one of the most common types of orchids and are often found in most gardening centers or grocery stores. They come in a wide variety of colors including spotted or striped flowers. Moth orchids are an ideal choice for beginners as this type will thrive in most homes, liking average indoor temperatures and conditions.
  • Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium) — This type of orchid gets its name from the unique shape of its small and dainty flowers that seem to sway in the wind, resembling a dancing ballerina. Dancing lady orchids grow quite rapidly, with flowers that range in color.
  • Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum) — Also referred to as lady slippers, this orchid is named after its long-lasting blooms which develop a small pouch at the bottom, similar to a slipper. Slipper orchids make a great addition for beginners because they are not finicky with their growing requirements, and are able to easily adapt to new environments.
  • Corsage Orchid (Cattleya) — Corsage orchids are simply stunning with their large colorful blooms that smell slightly like vanilla! These orchids need consistent bright light to flourish indoors or outdoors and are one of the most classic orchid choices out there.

Step 2: Select the Right Growing Medium

Use a well-draining, light media

Small fraction pine bark in hand for planting Phalaenopsis Orchid close up on a white background

Believe it or not, most types of orchids don't need soil to grow in. Most tropical orchids are epiphytic plants, which means they grow in the air, absorbing nutrients and water through their roots.

These types of plants do not root in soil and instead will attach themselves to other plants or surfaces. Select orchids are terrestrial and grow in soil, with the majority being air plants. Determine which type you are growing and select the right growing medium accordingly.

  • Orchids typically grow in a growing medium like coarse bark, sphagnum moss, or a specialized orchid potting mix.
  • These growing mediums are lightweight and porous. On top of this, they provide the roots with a surface to cling onto, along with providing adequate drainage and air circulation.
  • For terrestrial orchids that grow in soil, opt for orchid potting soil mix that is well-draining.

Step 3: Transplant Your Orchid

Repot your orchid in a few easy steps

beautiful orchid growing indoors in a pot

Follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to transplant your orchid into a new container. Re-potting your store-bought orchid allows the plant more room to grow and better airflow around the roots.

Step 1: Select a Pot

Select a pot that is at least 1 inch larger than your orchid's current pot, making sure it has proper drainage holes. Popular container choices include terracotta, ceramic, plastic, or a wooden basket.

Step 2: Examine the Roots

Next, remove the orchid from its original pot and carefully examine the roots. Trim away any roots that appear black or damaged, but avoid cutting roots that appear healthy and green.

Step 3: Transplant Your Orchid

Place the orchid in its new container and begin filling the surrounding area with your growing media of choice. Fill to the top of the container and water thoroughly.

Step 4: Provide Support

If needed, stake your orchid to provide additional support using a piece of wood or bamboo.

Step 4: Caring for Your Orchid Indoors

Determine sunlight, water, and fertilizer needs

yellow orchid in the sunlight

Provide proper care to your orchids to keep these tropical plants thriving indoors.

Sunlight

  • Orchids require lots of sunlight to grow and develop their beautiful blooms, usually at least six hours a day. Depending on the type, some orchids may need more light than this. Research your specific type of orchid first and provide the right amount of sunlight accordingly.
  • Place your orchid in a spot that receives several hours of indirect sunlight, such as an east or south-facing window.
  • You'll know that your orchid is getting enough sunlight if the leaves appear bright green in color. If the leaves are dark green, move your plant to a brighter location. Leaves that are turning yellow signify that the plant is receiving too much sunlight.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range will vary depending on the type of orchid you are growing:

60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit:

Cymbidium, Odontoglossum, Miltonias, select Paphiopedilum, and Dendrobium orchids.

70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit:

Cymbidium, Odontoglossum, Miltonias, select Phalaenopsis, and most Paphiopedilum and Dendrobium orchids.

75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit:

Doritis, Phalaenopsis, and select Paphiopedilum, and Dendrobium orchids.

Watering

  • Water most orchids about once a week, allowing the media to dry out slightly before watering again. To be certain, always touch the growing medium with your fingers and see if it feels dry or wet.
    • For certain species that have pseudobulbs that store water (like Oncidium or Cattleya) allow the media to fully dry out before watering again.
  • Pay close attention to the roots of your plant to determine its watering needs. Roots that appear shriveled and have a silver hue to them indicate that your plant needs more water. Green roots indicate that the plant has sufficient water.
  • To water, place your orchid under running water for several minutes, allowing any excess water to drain off. Consider watering your orchids with ice cubes if you are worried about overwatering your plant. Apply three ice cubes to the media, avoiding any contact with the leaves.

Humidity

  • Orchids also need high humidity and plenty of air circulation to flourish indoors. Provide a humidity range of 40 to 70 percent and place a fan nearby to keep the air circulating.
  • To create a more humid environment, place a humidifier nearby, group your plants together, or use a pebble tray.

Fertilizer

  • During the spring and summer months when your orchid is actively growing, fertilize every two weeks with a 30-10-10 fertilizer or an orchid specific fertilizer and apply at half-strength.
  • When your orchid is about to bloom, switch to a more balanced fertilizer with a 20-20-20 ratio.
  • Hold off on fertilizing orchids during the wintertime. During this time orchids will go into a state of dormancy and rest, so further nutrients are not necessary.

The Beauty of Orchids

Consider adding a few orchids to your home and get ready to marvel at their natural beauty! After purchasing, transplant your orchid to a larger container and keep it happy indoors by creating the right growing environment. Provide ample sunlight, maintain humidity, and of course, properly water and fertilize your plants.