Orchids are a beloved choice for adding elegance to UK homes, celebrated for their captivating blooms and air of sophistication. Among the many varieties, some indoor orchids stand out for their popularity due to their beauty, ease of care, and adaptability.
1. Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids being one the best Indoor Orchids Plants, often regarded as exotic beauties, have become a popular choice for plant enthusiasts due to their ease of care and widespread availability.
Whether you’ve recently acquired one or are a self-proclaimed orchid aficionado like me, you’ll find that nurturing these plants after their blossoms fade can be a rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your Phalaenopsis orchid thrives and graces your home with blooms year after year.
2. Dendrobium Orchids
Dendrobium orchids are a lightly fragrant nodding flowers and a greenish central eye, standing out from tall cane-like stems usually from January through to June. With large deep green, glossy oval leaves this orchid is a stunner. Place this orchid in a bright spot but not in direct sun in a moderately warm room when in flower.
Let the compost dry out slightly on the surface before watering with tepid soft water, or rain water, allowing any excess water to drain away and then remove – don’t leave the plant sitting in water. Make sure you have good air circulation and mist regularly. Feed with orchid fertiliser throughout the growing season.
3. cattleya Orchids
The queen of orchids, corsage orchid, cattleya or cat orchid is an epiphytic, tropical herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). They require a special potting medium, which is usually based on coarsely chopped redwood or fir bark. Some growers have success using inorganic, kiln-fired materials. The medium should be allowed to dry completely between waterings. Good air circulation is as important as proper light and humidity. An east- or west-facing window is best. Direct sun will burn the leaves. A leaf with the right amount of sun is mid-green.
A dark leaf indicates insufficient sunlight. The temperatures must be between 70 to 85 degrees F during the day and 55 to 60 degrees F at night. The humidity must be above 50%. This can be achieved by placing a baking dish or saucer filled with pebbles under the plant.
4. Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid)
Paphiopedilum (slipper orchids) have lovely flowers and the leaves of some are beautifully mottled. They are not too difficult to grow as houseplants, and are more unusual than the Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium commonly sold in garden centres. Grow Paphiopedilum in a shaded position in summer, with protection from direct sunshine. Move to a position in bright, un-shaded light in winter.
The plain green-leaved slipper orchids are cool temperature growers, preferring a growing temperature range of 10-25°C (50-77°F), and requiring a minimum winter temperature of 10-13°C (50-55°F).
5. Oncidium Orchids (Dancing Queen)
Oncidium Orchids are an excellent choice for beginner orchid growers for at least two reasons. First, many oncidiums do well on the windowsill. Second, oncidiums can grow even better at home than in a greenhouse since humidity levels are lower.
Oncidiums are orchids definitely worth growing and I’m confident you’ll be able to master their care needs. To begin, we’ll tackle temperature and light for dependable blooming. Next, I’ll show you what you need to do for regular care, watering, fertilizing, potting, and so on, for robust, oncidium orchids.
