Many people are under the impression that orchids are best grown outside. However, this is just not a true statement. Orchids can do very well inside. In fact, two orchid varieties that do well inside are Lady’s Slippers and Moth Orchids. These varieties are popular for two reasons:

- First, they aren’t so particular about the environment they are growing in.

- Second, their stalks produce excellent blooms.

A Quick Overview On Lady’s Slipper and Moth Orchid

Lady’s Slipper – Many novice American growers will bypass this orchid species since they don’t see the true beauty that’s found with its uniqueness. The Lady’s Slipper stalks have hairs and warts, giving it an exotic look. However, once they are full grown, they produce lots of blooms during the year, which is why many growers tend to love them. Lady’s Slipper is a great orchid for novices to grow. It takes little effort to grow and make you look like a professional gardener.

Moth Orchid – Without even knowing it, you may have seen the Moth Orchid in your local garden center, Lowe’s and Home Depot. Colors in this plant range in white to pale lavender, yet they can have a center that contrasts the rest of the plant. Some Moth Orchids will bloom more than once a year.

How To Care For Your Indoor Orchid

Even though your orchids are being grown inside the home, you must ensure that they get the proper environment to ensure their healthy look. What things should your indoor orchid plants have?

Sunlight – Like any plant, sunlight is necessary to the growth and survival of your plant. However, your orchid plants don’t need a lot of sunlight to grow and stay healthy. In fact, if you don’t filter your sunlight, you can cause it to become burned. Orchids are very sensitive to sunlight.

Humidity – Humidity can be a problem for your orchids. During the daytime hours, your indoor orchids need plenty of it. How can you make sure that you get the humidity they need? Actually, there are several things you can do to make sure they have enough humidity.

- First, place a tray filled with pebbles underneath the orchids.

- Second, spray a fine mist on your plants.

- Third, use a cool humidifier to keep the humidity in the air.

During the overnight hours, the roots need to stay dry so the plant won’t become diseased. Proper humidity is necessary for the health of your orchid, whether you are growing them inside or outside.

Temperatures – The temperatures you grow your orchids in will depend on the variety of orchid you choose to grow. For instance, Moth Orchids will need a daytime temperature of 70 to 85 degrees with an overnight temperature of 60 to 65 degrees. However, Lady’s Slippers like the cooler environment and prefer a daytime temperature of 60 to 65 degrees and an overnight temperature of 50 to 55 degrees. If you like a cool environment or if trees surround your home, then go with the Lady’s Slipper orchid variety.

Watering – How you water your plant is very important. Roots should always be damp and during its active period, it should be watered at least twice a week. When the plants go dormant in the cooler months of the year, they only need to be watered once every couple of weeks.

Fertilizer – When you are growing orchids, be sure to fertilize it one to two times a week when it’s not dormant. However, when it is dormant, you don’t have to fertilize it near as often. Be sure you use a quarter to half strength solution. You can also purchase a specially designed formula at your local garden shop.