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| Photo Credit: Megan Bame |
| Left on the plant, the orchid flower stem will bloom over the course of several weeks. |
Orchids have an exotic mystique about them and may be intimidating to even the seasoned gardener. Though they were once considered too expensive and rare for the average homeowner, increased production of a few common varieties have made the orchid an affordable touch of luxury.
Except for humid, tropical climates where orchids can grow outdoors year-round, the orchid is a houseplant. Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids are the most commonly available types. These are both epiphytic orchids, which means they have “air roots” – roots that don’t need a rich peat-based potting soil like most plants. Instead, they thrive in a moist-air environment. In nature, epiphytic plants are often found in rain forests growing on trees. The tree doesn’t provide nutrients to the orchid, it only serves as an anchoring location, and the orchid derives its water and nutrients from the moisture in the air. | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Megan Bame | | The large, thick leaves are a characteristic feature of the Phaelanopsis orchid. |
Adapted for home enjoyment, epiphytic orchids are often grown in a bark-based media that anchors the plant in a terra-cotta pot. Unlike most plants, orchids like to be in a “too-small” pot. The roots should at least touch the sides of the container, and in all likelihood, some roots will even spill over the side. It may be a year or more before it’s necessary to repot (only when there are many long roots over the edge).
First of all, only repot orchids when they aren’t blooming. The shock of a new, though similar, environment may disrupt the plant’s shining moment. Remember, they like small pots. So if your orchid is currently in a 4-inch pot, a 5-inch pot may be enough extra room – and certainly don’t go larger than a 6-inch container. While a regular terra-cotta pot will do, there are specialty orchid pots that have slits around the base to allow more air movement around the roots. (These containers are usually available at your local garden center.)
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