Questions (click on bolded links to move down quickly)

1. How often should I water my orchid plants?
   
2. How much sunlight do my orchids need?
3. What kind of humidity do orchids like?
   
4. What kind of fertilizer should I use?  How often should I use it?
   
5. When should I repot my plants?
   
6. What kind of soil should I use?
7. Are orchids indoor or outdoor plants?
   
8. How well will orchids grow in my area?

Q1: How often should I water my orchid plants?

A:  Watering the potting material once a week is usually sufficient.   The key with watering is letting the potting material dry between waterings.   Also, it is better not to water over the leaves and blooms.   Instead mist them with a spray bottle.

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Q2: How much sunlight do my orchids need?

A: Most orchid plants do best with filtered or indirect sunlight.  For indoor plants, avoid direct afternoon sunlight by placing your orchids in a South, North, or East facing window.  Vandas are one exception.  Vandas require direct sunlight and do well in West-facing windows..  

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Q3:  What kind of humidity do orchids like?

A:  Orchids are tropical flowering plants and do need humidity.  Misting plant leaves with a spray bottle usually has the right effect.  Don't have time to mist your plants?  Try using a humidity tray or a gravel bed (which allow water to evaporate and provide the right humidity).

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Q4:  What kind of fertilizer should I use?  How often should I use it?

A:  In general, a good all-purpose "balanced" fertilizer is sufficient for good plant growth.  What does "balanced" mean?  A balanced fertilizer is described as having equal concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.  This is indicated on the label by the numbers 10-10-10, 14-14-14, or some similar combination.  For better flowering, switch to a blooming fertilizer, high in phosphorous, when your orchid plants begin to bud (look for 10-40-10 or a similar combination).  Fertilizing performs best when done in small amounts often.  Time-released pellet fertilizer works well.  Be strongly careful that you don't overfertilize.

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Q5:  When should I repot my plants?

A:  You should repot your plants roughly every 2 to 3 years with fresh potting material.  This protects against disease, decay, and root rot.  Typically, when repotting, you will move your plant to the next larger size pot.  Never repot while the plant is blooming.  

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Q6:  What kind of soil should I use?

A:  Fir bark with charcoal & perlite, and spaghnum moss are two common potting materials we use.

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Q7:  Are orchids indoor or outdoor plants?

A:  Orchids grow both indoors and outdoors.  Generally, you can grow orchids outdoors if the outside temperature stays between 55° and 80°F.  When grown indoors, it is important to ensure that your plants get adequate sun and humidity.

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Q8:  How well will orchids grow in my area?

A: Our orchids grow all over the United States. The key is having the right environment.  Some orchids, such as cymbidiums, grow well in cooler climates. Others such as vandas, require a great deal of direct sunlight.