How to Care for Orchids
General Watering Tips
– The #1 cause of death in orchids is overwatering. Each
plant has unique water needs dependent on the plant and
pot size and the ambient temperature.
– Learn to evaluate the dryness of the medium your orchid
is growing in. This can be achieved by feeling the weight
of the pot (water adds weight), or by touching within the
medium to check for moisture.
– When in doubt, do not water as most orchids can
tolerate drying out for a short time.
– Water orchids with tepid water for several minutes, until
it drains out of the bottom of the pot. Do not use salt-
softened water.
– Be sure to let the plant drain completely.
Orchid Resources
Longwood Gardens
The GardenShop
– Books
– Plants
– Orchid Potting Mix
Take a class
Longwood Gardens Continuing Education
www.longwoodlearning.org
Additional Information
American Orchid Society
www.aos.org
Light
Bright indirect light
East facing window
or
Shaded South or
West window
Bright indirect light
East facing window
or
Shaded South or
West window
Bright light South or
West facing window
Very bright light
Sunroom is ideal
Humidity
Optional: Place on
trays of moistened
pebbles to increase
humidity
Optional: Place on
trays of moistened
pebbles to increase
humidity
Place on trays of
moistened pebbles
to increase humidity
Place on trays of
moistened pebbles
to increase humidity
Water
Remove any water
that gets into the
crown of the plant
(where the new
leaves form) to avoid
crown rot
Care should be taken
not to overwater
to avoid rotting the
roots
They like to be
almost dry before
re-watering
They like to be
almost dry before
re-watering
Fertilizer
Once a month with
diluted fertilizer
Once a month with
diluted fertilizer
Once a month with
diluted fertilizer
Once a month with
diluted fertilizer. Add
slow-release fertilizer
in the summer
Notes
Plants need a
15º F temperature
difference between
night and day to
bloom
Plants need a
15º F temperature
difference between
night and day to
bloom
Plants need a
15º F temperature
difference between
night and day to
bloom
Leave outdoors
until the end of
October. Keep
cool during winter
months
Orchid Type
Phalaenopsis
Paphiopedilum
Cattleya
Cymbidium
