How to Care for Orchids Indoors: Expert Tips for Healthy Blooms

General Care

Orchids are known for their exotic appearance and stunning flowers, but they’re not nearly as fussy as many think. With the right conditions and care, orchids can thrive indoors for years. Their epiphytic nature makes them unique. Many orchids grow attached to trees in the wild, meaning their roots need airflow and drainage. These plants prefer stability, so once you find the right light and watering routine, it’s best to stick with it. When properly cared for, orchids bloom in vibrant cycles, often lasting weeks or even months, and add a touch of elegance to any space.

Watering

• Watering orchids is all about balance. Too much and you risk root rot; too little and your orchid may dehydrate.
• Let the potting medium dry slightly between waterings. A good rule is to water once every 7–10 days, but this depends on the environment (temperature, humidity, and airflow).
• Water in the morning so the roots can dry by night, which helps prevent fungal infections.
• Use room-temperature water and avoid getting moisture in the crown (the center of the plant), as this can cause crown rot.
• In dry climates, occasional misting around the plant (not directly on it) can help maintain humidity levels.

Light & Placement

• Orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is often perfect, or use sheer curtains in a south or west-facing window.
• Direct sun can burn the leaves, leaving white patches or scorched edges.
• If your orchid’s leaves are dark green, they may not get enough light. Medium green with a slight yellow tint is ideal.
• In low-light homes, a grow light designed for orchids can help replicate natural conditions.
• Avoid placing orchids in spots with frequent temperature changes, like near-opening doors, heating vents, or drafty windows.

Soil

• Traditional soil is too dense for orchids. Instead, use a specialized orchid mix, which often contains bark, perlite, charcoal, or sphagnum moss.
• These materials provide the airflow orchids crave while still retaining enough moisture.
• Over time, the medium breaks down and compacts, so it should be replaced every 12–18 months.

Temperature & Humidity

• Orchids enjoy daytime temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) and slightly cooler nights (55–65°F or 13–18°C).
• A slight drop in temperature at night can actually encourage flower spike production.
• While orchids can adapt to average indoor humidity, they prefer between 50 and 70% humidity.
• In dry environments, increase humidity with a pebble tray filled with water under the pot, a humidifier, or by grouping plants together.
• Ensure air circulation to prevent mold or mildew; a small fan can help keep the air moving.

Repotting Tips

• Repot orchids every 1–2 years to refresh the growing medium and give roots more room.
• Look for signs like crowded roots, poor drainage, or decomposed bark.
• Choose a pot that allows air to circulate—many orchid pots have slits or holes in the sides.
• Use a pot slightly larger than the root ball to avoid retaining too much moisture.
• Be gentle with the roots during repotting, and trim off any mushy or dead ones with sterile scissors.

Propagation

• Orchids don’t propagate as easily as succulents, but certain types, like Phalaenopsis, can grow “keikis” (baby plants) from the flower spike.
• Allow keikis to develop roots 2–3 inches long before removing and potting them.
• Other propagation methods include division (for sympodial orchids like Cattleyas and Dendrobiums) by splitting mature plants with multiple growths.
• Propagation can be slow—keikis may take a year or more to grow into blooming plants.

Encouraging Blooms

• Orchids naturally go through dormant phases between blooms. Don’t toss your plant when the flowers fall!
• After the bloom fades, cut the flower spike above a healthy node to encourage reblooming.
• Ensure your orchid gets 8–10 hours of light daily and a slight temperature drop at night to trigger flower production.
• Some varieties may only bloom once a year, while others can bloom multiple times with proper care.

Common Issues

Pests

• Orchids are vulnerable to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale.
• Check under leaves and around roots for signs of pests—sticky residue, webbing, or small dots.
• To remove pests, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply a neem oil solution weekly for prevention.
• Isolate affected plants to prevent pests from spreading to nearby greenery.

Soft or Wrinkled Leaves

• Usually caused by dehydration or root damage.
• Check that roots are healthy and not brown or mushy.
• If roots are healthy, increase watering slightly or adjust humidity.

Yellowing or Drooping Leaves

• It may indicate too much light, a nutrient imbalance, or a sign of root issues.
• Remove any completely yellow or dead leaves at the base with sterilized scissors.
• Ensure the orchid isn’t exposed to direct sunlight or overly cold conditions.

Bud Blast (Bud Drop)

• It occurs when buds fall off before blooming.
• Usually caused by sudden environmental changes—temperature swings, repotting, or dry air.
• Stabilize conditions to help prevent future bud loss.