Simple Orchid Growing Instructions
These simple orchid growing instructions will work for about 95% of orchids commonly in cultivation. (For the other 5% the difference is really in reduction of watering and fertilization during the cooler months.)
1) Light: medium to bright shady conditions work best. Avoid direct sun as it will burn the leaves.
2) Water: the goal is to keep the media/potting mix evenly moist. Usually, twice per week watering is enough, although depending on the mix you use and the temperature, you may adjust this as needed to keep the mix evenly moist. A bit of drying out now and then is not a bad thing, either.
3) Temperature: avoid freezing temperatures. Most orchids can handle temps into the 90s F if kept shaded and well-watered.
4) Fertilizer: you can fertilize every other week with a balanced plant food (it does not have to be orchid-specific), diluted to 1/4 strength. During the warmer growing season, you can fertilize more often, and less during the cooler seasons.
5) Media: With few exceptions, orchids you purchase from us are fine for six to 12 months in their current pots and media, so you do not need to repot right away. New Zealand Sphagnum Moss or fir bark work best for the vast majority of orchids in cultivation. Do NOT use dirt or potting soil unless otherwise indicated (i.e., for terrestrial orchids).
6) Pots: Use pots that have holes in the bottom for drainage. Very important: do not use pots that are too big for the root system. Your pot should be slightly bigger than the root system of your plant. If your pot is too big, the media inside it will retain too much moisture for the roots of your plant to take up, and that can eventually lead to root rot. When in doubt, use a smaller pot.
Variety-specific growing instructions
Dendrobium kingianum is our top-selling orchid, and the above growing instructions will work, as it’s the easiest orchid on earth. This species (and its hybrids and other related Australian Dendrobiums) does like a cold/drying out period in the winter. Click here for more specific growing instructions.