Orchids are so much more than a flowering office lobby plant. They are one of the most prominent flowering plant families, Orchidaceae. They are as diverse as they come, showcasing incredible colors, patterns, shapes, and fragrances. Orchidaceae has about 28,000 species across 763 genera.

Orchids have famously evolved into complex and unique ways of pollinating. Curtain varieties of Orchids have developed highly specialized ways of attracting a particular pollinator, coevolving with said pollinator over the decades of the symbiotic relationship. Because of this specialized approach orchids have taken to secure pollination, they have evolved to retain their bloom much longer than other flowering plants. This has made them a prized indoor plant for people worldwide—a happy accident for the Orchids.

Chelsea Garden Center carries orchids in our stores year-round, often featuring Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum (Lady Slippers).

Orchid Care Tips

Oncidium Twinkle

The Oncidium Twinkle is a type of orchid with star-shaped blooms that are easy to grow. The flowers are fragrant and can last up to a month.

Light

• Light-loving orchids and can tolerate direct sunlight.
• During the growing season, feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer every second or third watering.

Water

• They like to dry out between waterings.
• Mist regularly for high humidity or add a humidifier to the space.
• Reduce watering in the winter.

Pot Size

• The size of the pot plays a crucial role in the growth of your Oncidium.
• Smaller pots can restrict growth, leading to a more compact plant.
• Larger pots may encourage larger plants.

Fertilizer

• Use balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer, dilute the fertilizer in water. Fertilizer bi-monthly.

Phalaenopsis

Light

• Position in bright, indirect light.
• Place in near an eastern window or west facing window.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.

Water

• When pot moss is nearly dry (usually 7-14 days), water and drain excess.
  
• Maintain medium moisture and water as the media nears dryness. In heat, water 2-3 times weekly may be needed.
• Check moisture to adjust frequency based on media and home conditions.
• Mist regularly for high humidity or add a humidifier to the space.

Pot Size

• The size of the pot plays a crucial role in the growth of your Phalaenopsis.
• Smaller pots can restrict growth, leading to a more compact plant.
• Larger pots may encourage larger plants.

Fertilizer

• Use balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer, dilute the fertilizer in water. Fertilizer bi-monthly.

Paphiopedilum (Lady Slippers)

Light

• Position in bright, indirect light.
• Place in near an eastern window or west facing window.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.

Water

• Keep consistently moist, not soggy. Avoid drying, especially in bloom.
• Adjust watering based on the media and home environment.
• In summer, water every 3-4 days or more as needed. In winter and spring, water weekly.
• Mist regularly for high humidity or add a humidifier to the space.

Pot Size

• The size of the pot plays a crucial role in the growth of your Lady Slippers.
• Smaller pots can restrict growth, leading to a more compact plant.
• Larger pots may encourage larger plants.

Fertilizer

• Use balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer, dilute the fertilizer in water. Fertilizer bi-monthly.

Works Cited: "Taida Orchids Inc." Taidaorchids, 2023, www.taidaorchids.com/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.