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What are Orchids?
An orchid is a flowering plant belonging to the large and diverse family Orchidaceae, with over 28,000 individual species and are known for their unique, often colorful, and fragrant blooms. They are a widespread family of plants, found on every continent except Antarctica.
Fun Fact: Orchids are part of the oldest plant families which developed around 100-125 million years ago, meaning they existed with dinosaurs.
Orchid Care Guide
Sunlight:
Most orchids thrive and do well when they receive 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. Additionally, to determine if the light is right, check the leaves: dark green suggests too little light, while yellow or reddish-purple can mean too much direct light.
Watering:
Water orchids about once a week, or when the potting medium is nearly dry, but the exact frequency depends on the potting mix, humidity, and light. To check, feel the soil or look for silvery roots instead of green ones. Water thoroughly by soaking the plant until water drains completely.
Soil:
The best soil for orchids is a specialized potting mix made of materials like fir or pine bark, sphagnum moss, coconut husk, or LECA, which provides the necessary aeration and drainage that regular soil cannot. Click this link to access the Amazon list of the best Orchid Soils.
Fertilization:
Fertilize orchids using the “weekly, weakly” method—apply a diluted orchid fertilizer about once a week during active growth. In fall and winter, reduce feeding to every 2–3 weeks to avoid over-fertilizing. See this page to find some of the top Orchid Fertilizers recommended for your plant.
Potting/Repotting:
You should repot orchids after they have finished flowering, or when their roots are overcrowded and pushing out of the pot. To repot, carefully remove the plant from its old pot, trim any dead roots, and place it in a new pot that is just slightly larger. You should then fill the new pot with fresh orchid potting mix and water it thoroughly after repotting.
Common Pests & Diseases:
Common pests affecting orchids include scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips, while common diseases include Botrytis blight (gray mold) and various rots such as Rhizoctonia root rot and black rot. Learn more about the pests & diseases that affect Orchids at this page link.
Most Common Species of Orchids
Look and read below to find out and learn about the three most common and popular orchid species that are easy to grow, while being beautiful at the same time!
Moth Orchid
A moth orchid is a popular type of orchid from the Phalaenopsis genus, named because its flowers resemble moths. They are known for being easy to care for and are commonly sold in grocery and department stores. Key characteristics include wide, flat leaves and long-lasting, showy flowers in various colors.
Cattleya
"Cattley" is the common name for Cattleya orchids, a genus of epiphytic orchids prized for their large, showy, and fragrant flowers. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, these plants are known for their beautiful colors and are often called the "Queen of Orchids"
Dendrobium
Dendrobium comes from Greek words meaning "tree" (dendron) and "life" (bios), literally meaning "life on a tree". The name refers to the genus of epiphytic orchids that commonly grow on trees and rocks in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands.
Fun Facts!
Orchids have the smallest seeds of any plant
Some orchids smell like chocolate, vanilla, or even lemons, while others mimic bad smells to attract pollinators
Many orchids grow on trees, using their roots to cling to bark
Orchid flowers can last for weeks or even months, making them some of the longest-lasting blooms.
The tallest orchid species can reach over 8 feet in height.
Shop Now
Using the American Orchid Society's Orchid Marketplace below, shop for all kinds of Orchids for anything you want.
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