How to Care for Orchids

Orchid Type Light Humidity Water Fertilizer Notes

Phalaenopsis Bright indirect light Optional: Place on Remove any water Once a month with Plants need a
East facing window trays of moistened that gets into the diluted fertilizer 15º F temperature
or pebbles to increase crown of the plant difference between
Shaded South or humidity (where the new night and day to
West window leaves form) to avoid bloom
crown rot

Paphiopedilum Bright indirect light Optional: Place on Care should be taken Once a month with Plants need a
East facing window trays of moistened not to overwater diluted fertilizer 15º F temperature
or pebbles to increase to avoid rotting the difference between
Shaded South or humidity roots night and day to
West window bloom

Cattleya Bright light South or Place on trays of They like to be Once a month with Plants need a
West facing window moistened pebbles almost dry before diluted fertilizer 15º F temperature
to increase humidity re-watering difference between
night and day to
bloom

Cymbidium Very bright light Place on trays of They like to be Once a month with Leave outdoors
Sunroom is ideal moistened pebbles almost dry before diluted fertilizer. Add until the end of
to increase humidity re-watering slow-release fertilizer October. Keep
in the summer cool during winter
months

General Watering Tips Orchid Resources

–– The #1 cause of death in orchids is overwatering. Each Longwood Gardens

plant has unique water needs dependent on the plant and The GardenShop
pot size and the ambient temperature. –– Books
–– Plants
–– Learn to evaluate the dryness of the medium your orchid –– Orchid Potting Mix
is growing in. This can be achieved by feeling the weight
of the pot (water adds weight), or by touching within the Take a class
medium to check for moisture. Longwood Gardens Continuing Education
www.longwoodlearning.org
–– When in doubt, do not water as most orchids can
tolerate drying out for a short time. Additional Information
American Orchid Society
–– Water orchids with tepid water for several minutes, until www.aos.org
it drains out of the bottom of the pot. Do not use salt-
softened water.

–– Be sure to let the plant drain completely.