Readers Digest
Magazine subscription Podcast
HomeLifestyleHome & Garden

How to Grow Orchids

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Home & Garden

How to Grow Orchids
With well over 20,000 species found in a wide range of habitats, orchids exhibit a huge diversity of form. Learn how they can flourish in your garden.

Where to grow an orchid

The majority of orchids are found in tropical regions. Orchids from temperate regions are often cultivated in the garden or a cool greenhouse, but tropical types are the best for use as houseplants. Most of the species described here will grow to 30 to 40cm in height and spread; some cymbidium cultivars, however, may reach 1m.

Taking care of an orchid

Being such a diverse group of plants, the requirements for individuals will vary. There are, though, a few basic steps to follow:
  • Keep out of direct light and cold draughts.
  • Grow in a free-draining, bark-based orchid compost. This might be a mix of medium-coarse bark.
  • Do not drown the orchid. Allow compost to dry out between thorough soakings, using rainwater or cooled boiled water. Water cymbidiums, oncidiums, dendrobiums and miltoniopsis sparingly during winter, when plant growth is reduced.
  • Apply an orchid fertiliser or a quarter-strength houseplant fertilizer at every third or fourth watering during the growing season.

This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer

Loading up next...
Stories by email|Subscription
Readers Digest

Launched in 1922, Reader's Digest has built 100 years of trust with a loyal audience and has become the largest circulating magazine in the world

Readers Digest
Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards, please contact 0203 289 0940. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk