Whether you want to grow orchids indoors as a means of decoration or you live in a warmer, humid climate that is suitable for growing orchids outdoors, there are a few things that you should know that can get you on the fast track to providing a healthy, suitable environment for your orchid.

While growing orchids is not necessarily difficult, the temperamental nature of this plant can make proper plant care seem like a never ending balancing act, and orchids do need a great deal of attention no matter where you decide to grow them.

Prior to purchasing your orchid, you should consider the environment where you will plant the orchid. If you want to grow orchids outdoors, it is best if you live in an area where the temperatures are warmer year-round and there is adequate moisture and humidity.

Orchids do well in some areas of Southern California, Hawaii, Australia, and Central and Southern America. However, for other areas of the world, orchids can also be grown indoors or in greenhouses. To do this, you should ensure that the indoor temperature remains between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid placing the orchid in direct sunlight.

For indoor orchids, a certain amount of ventilation is required, so a ceiling fan near where the orchid is placed can be beneficial. Although direct sunlight in many areas can provide too much heat for orchids, natural light is still necessary, so consider the benefits of an artificial plant light for your indoor orchids.

Monitor the humidity in your home or the environment where you will grow the orchid. Daytime humidity should be between 50% and 70% for most orchid species. Humidity trays for orchids can be helpful for beginners who want to grow orchids indoors, and can help increase humidity levels near the plant itself when increasing the overall humidity of the indoor environment is not an option.

When potting the orchid, you should use planting material that is varied in consistency and has a slightly acidic pH, preferably around 4.5. You can use a combination of potting soil, compost, and more fibrous materials as well. You can use a sprig of bamboo or a long piece of galvanized wire to support newly planted bulbs. Dental floss is a great tool for tying that can resist deterioration caused by moisture.

It is important to keep in mind that orchids require a great deal of moisture and that the soil should remain consistently damp.

Many times, achieving the right levels of moisture for newly planted orchids can be much of a balancing act, but one of the most beneficial methods for watering orchids is to hold the pot over an area where the pot can drain and generously and then soak the soil and roots, allowing the water to run through the bottom of the pot.

For orchid feeding, you can use a special fertilizer blend that is intended for orchids specifically.

Growing orchids can be a rewarding experience, but introducing an orchid to the home can be overwhelming at first, with all of the attention that these plants require. Following these simple tips can help get your new orchid off to a great start.