Orchid Basics; Temperature, Humidity, Water, and Light
The kind of flowers that you enjoy on your windowsill, against the backdrop of a tire swing and a back yard patio—the kind you’re proud to give to friends—are the orchids that delight people around the world.
And the most successful growers have encouraged these natural wonders through four simple concepts: temperature, humidity, water, and light.
Though the different species require different amounts, the care provided through these ingredients establishes the orchid as the long lasting delight that has adorned royal gardens for centuries.
Light
Whether it’s under a Tuscan sun or through the windows of a European greenhouse, the light attained by an orchid flower determines its size and shape—in essence, its health.
Light amount vary for different types of orchid. Some simple guidelines; for orchids with long and slim leaves, strong light is required for much of the day. For soft and wide leaves, shaded light is required at a much lower level and amount. Like any plant, ill health probably means its not getting what it needs, and in this case, needs more light.
Water
The overriding factor in orchid care, water is the lifeline of the plant. Combining with light to sustain the delicate beauty, water is needed only in dry soil. A combination of adequate water and air to the roots of the plant leads to a healthy lifecycle. Deprivation could lead to fungus, disease, and infection.
As with light amounts, different orchids require different amounts of water. Orchids often need more water if it is:
- In a pot smaller than four inches
- In a clay pot or basket
- exposed to humidity levels below 40 percent
- experiencing increased water evaporation
- experienced thin leaves or growths
Temperature
Though orchids grown at home, indoors or outdoors, can thrive in many different temperatures, there are essential guidelines to follow. Like the wide range of temperatures across the orchids growing habitats, several degrees of difference will not kill an orchid, but a healthy orchid falls into one of three temperature classes.
The medium temperature class features a set of orchids that should be kept between 60 and 70°F, and includes the Cattleyas, Epidendrums, Oncidiums and Laelias orchids.
The cool temperature group can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F in high light, and includes the Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Odontoglossums and Miltonias orchids.
The warm temperature class thrives in temperatures around 65-75°F, though they can withstand temperatures as low as 45°F. They include Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilums, Vandas, Rhynchostylus and Dendrohiums orchids.
Humidity
Humidity, the amount of moisture in the air, is low in dry climates and high in cooler areas. Orchids typical of tropical climates with moist air require the same at your home. Compensating for a poor root system, this can be achieved by placing a pool of water around the plants. These plants, because of the delicate nature of their water intake, should also be watered two or three times a day, especially for young and maturing plants.
Outdoor and greenhouse orchids are generally privy to an adequate amount of humidity throughout most of the United States in the summer months. Needing a humidity level between 60 and 80 percent, these outdoor orchids require much less humidity attention than their indoor counterparts.
Indoor orchids may fall victim to dry heats produced by heating or cooling systems, and often require a humidifier to maintain moisture. Humidity can be encouraged and increased in orchids through trays of soil and water. Creating a micro-climate by placing the plants around water, and not in the water, helps to give the orchids the humidity that keeps them vibrant and luminous.
