you might have orchids with long-lasting blooms by providing similar conditions.
Learn the ideal temperatures for growing beautiful orchids at home.
Orchids require lower nighttime temperatures to replicate the daily chemical reactions within their growing cycles.
Jakub Rutkiewicz / Getty Images
Want more gardening tips?
Avoid drafty locations.Orchids do not like sudden swings in temperature that can happen in drafty locations.
The plants should never be placed near a heating or air conditioning vent.
Maryviolet / Getty Images
Maintain humidity levels.Orchids prefer a humidity level between 40 and 80%.
Most homes do not maintain those levels, especially during winter months.
Group orchids together with some ferns or other houseplants to add humidity to the air around them.
Add anultrasonic humidifierto the room where orchids are kept and run it continuously.
Use the right water temperature.Watering an orchid with extremely cold water can shock orchid roots.
Allow water to come to room temperature before watering an orchid.
Do not place in full sun that can cause burn marks on leaves.
Water
Allow the growing medium to dry out completely between waterings.
Use lightweight, airy growing media designed for orchids; do not plant in potting soil.
Growing Medium
Orchids need a growing medium that is lightweight and fast-draining.
Orchids will not thrive in regular potting soil or potting mix.
Fertilizer
Feed with anorchid-specific fertilizeror a balanced fertilizer formula such as20-20-20at a diluted strength.
Reduce fertilization during the months that your species of orchid is dormant after flowering (typically in winter).
Wait until the plant is done flowering before repotting an orchid.
Orchids will not thrive in temperatures below 65oF.
If plants have summered outdoors, they should be brought inside before nighttime temperatures reach 55oF.
For optimum health, 85 to 90F is the highest temperatures for an orchid.
An indoor orchid can last for decades if cared for correctly.
