Growing Orchids

With the right light, water, temperature, and humidity, orchids grow successfully in most homes. With over 25,000 species out there, the real key is picking one suited to your home's actual conditions rather than fighting to recreate a different climate.

Light and Temperature

Most orchids want a spot that gets strong light for most of the day, away from cold drafts — a sunny windowsill is ideal. Without one, fluorescent grow lights left on for at least 12 hours a day work as a substitute. Temperature tolerance varies by species but generally falls between 50°F and 75°F; move plants back from windows on cold nights so they aren't exposed to near-freezing glass.

Water and Humidity

Watering is the detail that trips up most beginners — the safest general rule is to water once the potting medium has actually dried out, though some species want water daily and others just once every five days, so it's worth checking your specific variety. Humidity matters almost as much: a tray of pebbles kept filled with water beneath the pot, or occasional misting with distilled water, both help recreate the moist air orchids naturally prefer.