Orchids. Who can resist them?
They’re colorful, elegant, and mysterious, but also surprisingly easy to grow when you know their preferences. These exotic beauties are part of one of the largest and oldest flowering plant families on Earth, with over 25,000 species and counting. And while their graceful blooms might seem like they belong in a hothouse jungle, many orchids are well-suited to life on a sunny windowsill right here in Western North Carolina… Or anywhere indoors, really.
In fact, orchids like the same temperatures we do, and when grown indoors, they offer a tropical splash of color just when we need it most, from late fall through early spring. They’re the ultimate “twofer”: a winter pick-me-up that often keeps blooming until spring.
But here’s the big question we hear all the time: How do you get them to bloom again?
That’s the trick, right? The good news is, it’s not so tricky after all. Once you understand a little bit about how orchids grow and what they like, you’ll be well on your way to keeping them happy, healthy, and blooming year after year.
Here are five easy-to-grow orchids that are great for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike, plus tips on how to care for them and get them to flower again.
1. Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
If you’re just getting started with orchids, Phalaenopsis, commonly known as the moth orchid, is your new best friend. These low-light lovers are easy to please and often bloom for two to six months—yes, months!—during the winter and early spring. They’re the ones you’ll often find in grocery stores, garden centers, or gifted in a decorative pot.
Why they’re great:
- Long-lasting blooms
- Tolerates lower light
- Readily reblooms with the right care
Care tips:
- Light: East-facing windows are ideal. If your only option is a south or west window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
- Watering: Once a week if planted in bark; if in moss, water when it’s dry to the touch. Use tepid water and let it drain completely.
- Temperature: 60°F at night, 70°F to 80°F during the day.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength weekly. Don’t forget to flush the pot with water once a month to remove salt buildup.
Getting them to bloom again:
After blooming, cut the flower spike just above a node to encourage a new branch. Keep up the light and fertilizing routine, and it will reward you again, often within months.
2. Cattleya (The Corsage Orchid)
You might know Cattleya as the corsage orchid, those large, frilly blooms with a delightful fragrance that once graced prom corsages and wedding bouquets. These orchids love bright light and have a bit more attitude than Phalaenopsis, but they’re still quite manageable indoors.
Why they’re great:
- Showy, fragrant flowers
- Reliable bloomers in the right light
- Ideal for bright windows or sunrooms
Care tips:
- Light: Loves bright light; think east or west windows. If in a south-facing window, use sheer curtains.
- Watering: These orchids have pseudobulbs that store water, so let the potting mix (usually bark) dry completely between waterings. Smaller plants need more frequent waterings than large ones.
- Temperature: Night temps of 55°F to 60°F, with daytime temps up to 85°F.
- Fertilizer: Use a diluted (¼ strength) orchid fertilizer once weekly. Flush monthly to remove salts.
Getting them to bloom again:
Cattleyas typically bloom in spring or fall, depending on the variety. They need good light and a bit of rest after blooming. New pseudobulbs should form after flowering; when these mature, you’ll see flower buds again.
3. Cymbidium (Boat Orchid)
If you’re lucky enough to have a bright porch or sunroom, Cymbidium, or boat orchid, may be your next orchid obsession. These cool-weather orchids love fresh air and will thrive outside in the warmer months, then come inside just before frost to put on a spectacular floral show.
Why they’re great:
- Handles cooler temperatures
- Tall, arching sprays of flowers
- Great for summering outdoors
Care tips:
- Light: Needs bright but indirect light. Outdoors in part sun is perfect from spring to fall.
- Watering: Keep the potting mix moist during the growing season. In winter, water sparingly, just enough to keep the medium barely damp.
- Temperature: Can handle outdoor temps above 40°F. Bring indoors before first frost. Day temps indoors should remain around 70°F.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) every two weeks from March to September. In the fall and winter, cut back to every 3 to 4 weeks.
Getting them to bloom again:
Cymbidiums require a difference in day and night temperatures—especially in the fall—to set flower spikes. A cool porch or garage in the early fall can help set the stage. Watch for flower spikes in late fall to early winter.
4. Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid)
Oncidium, sometimes called dancing lady orchids, offer sprays of dozens of small blooms that seem to twirl in the air. These can vary quite a bit in their care needs depending on the specific type, but many do well in bright household light and reward growers with long-lasting blooms.
Why they’re great:
- Some bloom for up to two months
- Airy, graceful flower sprays
- Often scented
Care tips:
- Light: Most prefer bright, filtered light: east, west, or even south-facing windows.
- Watering: Depends on the variety. Those with fleshy leaves or roots need less water, while thinner-leaved types need more. Water when the potting medium is about halfway dry.
- Temperature: 55°F to 60°F at night, 80°F to 85°F during the day.
- Fertilizer: If grown in bark, use 30-20-20 orchid fertilizer twice monthly. If grown in moss or mounted, use 20-20-20 instead.
Getting them to bloom again:
After blooming, cut the spike all the way back to allow the plant to put energy into growing a new pseudobulb. Once that matures, it will send up a fresh spike, usually in late winter to spring.
5. Paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper Orchid)
If you’re drawn to unique blooms and don’t have a bright window, Paphiopedilum, or lady slipper orchids, might be your perfect fit. These orchids have pouch-shaped flowers and broad leaves, and they thrive in lower light than most other orchids.
Why they’re great:
- Tolerates shady conditions
- Easy care routine
- Flowers last for weeks
Care tips:
- Light: Low-light orchid; an east-facing window is best.
- Watering: Water every five days or so, and always let the pot drain thoroughly. These orchids do not have water-storing pseudobulbs, so they need more regular moisture.
- Temperature: 60°F to 65°F at night, 70°F to 75°F during the day.
- Fertilizer: Feed weekly with ¼ strength balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20), and flush monthly to remove salts.
Getting them to bloom again:
Each leaf fan will typically bloom once. After flowering, leave the old fan and let the plant produce new growth. When a new fan matures, expect a bloom spike, usually once per year, but some hybrids may bloom more often.
General Orchid Tips
1. Drainage is everything. Never let orchid roots sit in water. Use orchid-specific pots with drainage holes and a bark-based medium unless you’re using moss for specific varieties.
2. Humidity helps. Orchids like a little humidity; aim for around 50%. A humidity tray or small humidifier can work wonders, especially during dry winter months.
3. Watch the roots. Healthy orchid roots are plump and green or silvery white. If they’re shriveled or brown, it’s time to reassess watering habits.
4. Don’t repot too often. Most orchids prefer to be slightly root-bound. Repot every one to two years in fresh bark when the potting mix starts breaking down.
Whether you’re just starting your orchid adventure or looking to add a new variety to your collection, these five easy-to-grow orchids offer something for everyone, from drama and fragrance to delicate, long-lasting blooms.
Give them the right conditions, a little patience, and a lot of love, and they’ll reward you with flowers that brighten even the grayest winter days. And if you just want to chat about orchids or confirm that you’re doing the right things, don’t hesitate to talk to the horticultural experts here at B.B. Barns!
