Growing Gorgeous Orchids

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Do you want to add a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor space? Orchids are the perfect plant for you! They come in an array of colours, sizes, and shapes and are sure to brighten up any room. But, we know that growing orchids can be intimidating, especially if you're new to plant parenting. That's why we're here to make it fun and easy for you.

Choosing Your Orchid: Let's Get Picky
First things first, you need to pick the right orchid for you. It's like choosing a pet, you need to make sure it's a good fit for your lifestyle. Are you a busy bee who forgets to water your plants? Or are you a helicopter plant parent who hovers over your plants all the time? We recommend the Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium orchids for beginners. They are low-maintenance and can adapt to different environments.

Lighten Up, Orchid
Orchids are divas when it comes to lighting. They need plenty of bright, indirect light to thrive, but note that direct sunlight can burn their delicate leaves. Don't worry too much though, they're not too picky! Place them near a bright, east-facing window or under artificial grow lights, and they'll be happy. Just remember to keep an eye on them, and if you see their leaves turning yellow, it's time to move them to a brighter spot.

Hot and Humid: The Perfect Combo
If you live in a place with dry air, or air conditioning, your orchids might feel a little parched. Orchids love warm and humid environments, so try to keep them in a room with temperatures between 18-25°C. You can also use a humidifier or place a tray of pebbles and water under the orchid to increase the humidity. Don't forget to give them some fresh air by opening a window or turning on a fan.

Water and Feed Me, Seymour
Watering your orchids can be tricky. They hate being overwatered, but they also hate being thirsty. Use well-draining potting mix and pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot. Water them thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. To keep them happy and healthy, fertilise them regularly with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season.

Repotting: A New Home for Your Orchid
Your orchids need a new home every 1-2 years or when the potting mix breaks down. It's like moving into a new apartment, but less stressful! Use fresh potting mix and trim any dead or damaged roots before repotting. And don't worry, they won't hold a grudge against you for disturbing their roots.

Pests and Diseases: Not on My Watch!
Just like us, orchids can get sick or have unwanted visitors. Keep an eye out for mealybugs, scale, and root rot. If you see any signs of pests or disease, act fast and use natural pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. We don't want our orchids feeling under the weather!

In summary growing gorgeous orchids indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience. Choose the right orchid for you, give them the right light, temperature, and humidity, water and fertilise them correctly, repot when necessary, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. And most importantly, don't forget to enjoy their stunning beauty!