Purple flowers of an orchid plant.

Orchids

If you’re looking for a striking and exotic addition to your warm-climate garden or indoor space, consider growing orchids. With their colorful blooms and delicate foliage, orchids can add instant beauty. In the guides down below, we’ll teach you how to grow and care for these tropical flowers so you can enjoy their beauty year-round. Learn about various cultivars, get propagation tips, and more! New to orchid care? Start here.

How to Grow and Care for Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

A close up horizontal image of a large display of pink and white Phalaenopsis orchids growing in a pot indoors.

Phalaenopsis orchids are fantastic. They’re incredibly elegant, yet despite their delicate appearance, they aren’t all that fussy or tender – tougher in fact than most other orchids, and many other plants in general! But they have unique care requirements compared to other common houseplants. Learn more in our guide.

How to Grow Spathoglottis (Ground) Orchids

A close up horizontal image of the bright purple and white flowers of Spathoglottis ground orchids pictured on a soft focus background.

Spathoglottis are easy-going terrestrial species that are also known as purple or ground orchids. The flowers are available in a variety of colors including colors, like white, yellow, red, pink, purple, and cream, depending on the species or hybrid. Learn how to grow Spathoglottis orchids in this guide. Read more now.

23 of the Best Types of Orchids to Grow as Houseplants

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Featuring fascinating flowers, many orchids can be grown indoors as houseplants. When you make your pick you’ll want your selection to be gorgeous, but also well-suited to your growing conditions. Which to choose? Learn about 23 different types of orchids to grow indoors and find your perfect match now. Read more.

Discover the Native Orchids of North America

A close up horizontal image of bright pink calypso native orchids growing wild in North America.

North America hosts a stunning diversity of native orchids. From Florida’s elusive ghost orchids hiding in swamplands to hardy lady’s slippers thriving in northern Canada’s frigid temperatures, these remarkable wildflowers span an incredible range. Learn about the fascinating world of indigenous orchids in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Vanda Orchids

A close up horizontal image of purple and white vanda orchid flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

Vanda orchids put out big, dramatic displays of glorious flowers in colors like orange, yellow, pink, red, and purple, often with speckles or spots. Species in this genus have quite particular care needs but that shouldn’t put you off. Learn all about vanda orchids and how to grow them in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Vanilla Orchids

A close up horizontal image of vanilla flowers and pods set on a rustic wooden surface.

Vanilla orchids are beautiful and can produce the flavorful, fragrant beans we use as a spice. You can choose to grow these plants for their ornamental value or with a bit of extra work you can end up with a bountiful harvest of vanilla pods. Learn how to grow vanilla orchids in this guide. Read more now.

How to Identify and Control 13 Common Orchid Pests

A close up horizontal image of pink, white, and yellow cymbidium orchids growing in a pot indoors pictured on a soft focus background.

Orchids are some of the world’s most exquisite perennial flowers, appreciated as houseplants and garden specimens worldwide. These diverse plants can be attacked by a number of different pests, especially when stressed. Learn how to identify and control 13 common orchid pests in this guide. Read more now.

How to Propagate Orchids: Five Methods

A close up horizontal image of pink and white cattleya orchid flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

Orchids are unique and can be mystifying, especially when it comes to propagation. There are a number of different ways to propagate them, including from seed, by division and from stem cuttings, depending on the type you are growing. Learn about the different methods of propagating orchids in this guide. Read more now.

Learn About Rare and Beautiful Ghost Orchids

A close up horizontal image of a ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) growing on a tree with a single bloom pictured on a soft focus background.

Ghost orchids are fascinating plants with a dedicated following of enthusiasts. These epiphytic species are endangered in their native regions of Florida and Cuba, and can be hard to find in the wild. Growing them at home requires a specialized set up and lots of patience. Learn more about these flowers in this guide.

How to Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids After Flowering

A close up horizontal image of pink and white Phalaenopsis blooms on a flower stalk pictured on a soft focus background.

After your moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) has finished blooming, it needs some maintenance to stay healthy. Whether you want to encourage the plant to rebloom on the same stem or help it to produce a new one, you’ll need to address the stalk. Learn about how to care for Phalaenopsis after flowering in this guide. Read more.

When and How to Fertilize Orchids

A close up horizontal image of Phalaenopsis orchid flowers in red, white, and pink pictured on a soft focus background.

With their ornate blooms and glossy foliage, perennial flowering orchids resemble works of fine art and delight expert and amateur growers alike. Part of caring for these unique plants is knowing when and how to fertilize for the best floral display. Learn more about fertilizing orchids in this guide. Read more now.

How to Identify and Address Orchid Crown Rot

A close up horizontal image of pink and purple moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) growing in pots indoors.

Orchid crown rot, sometimes known as stem rot, is a deadly disease that can quickly destroy a plant, causing discoloration and eventual collapse. The disease has many causes, from overwatering to infection from pathogens like bacteria and fungi. Learn more about this common problem in this guide. Read more now.

How to Identify and Treat Sunburn on Orchids

A close up horizontal image of beautiful yellow and red epiphytic orchids growing in pots indoors pictured on a soft focus dark background.

Most orchids we grow at home are shade lovers and don’t appreciate too much sun. Overexposure can cause sun scorch, which results in yellowing leaves, brown spots on roots, stems, and foliage, or even plant death. Learn how to identify sunburn in orchids and what to do about it in this guide. Read more now.

How to Choose the Right Containers for Orchids

A horizontal close up of a pale yellow orchid in a container.

Orchids are unique plants, and many require special pots to help them thrive. The type of container you need depends on whether you have an epiphyte, which grows in trees, or a terrestrial orchid, which grows in the ground. Learn about how to choose the right container for your orchid species in this guide. Read more.

Learn About Bird’s-Nest Orchids

A close up horizontal image of bird's-nest orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) sprouting on the forest floor in spring, pictured on a soft focus background.

Bird’s-nest orchids have an almost ghostly appearance, nothing like the familiar potted orchids you find in the store. These unique plants can’t be cultivated at home as they have a special relationship with soilborne fungi and grow wild in very specific ecosystems. Learn more about bird’s-nest orchids in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Calanthe Orchids

A horizontal photo of a dark pink calanthe orchid blooming in a tropical garden.

Calanthe orchids aren’t as popular as Phalaenopsis or Cattleya species. But these largely terrestrial plants are every bit as beautiful. They can be evergreen or deciduous, and some can tolerate freezing temperatures, allowing cultivation outdoors. Read more to learn about growing this unique group of plants.

How to Grow and Care for Oncidium Orchids (Odontoglossum)

A horizontal photo of orange and cream speckled odontoglossum orchids.

Odontoglossum orchids, more accurately known as cool-weather Oncidium orchids, are elegant and long-blooming, with masses of vibrant yellow, orange, red, pink, and white flowers on each stalk. They can be quite difficult to cultivate, and this guide breaks down what you need to know to grow your own. Read more now.

How to Grow Terrestrial Orchids

A horizontal shot of many different types of terrestrial orchids in full bloom.

Terrestrial orchids comprise a wide range of orchid species that grow in the soil instead of clinging to trees. This means they have very different cultivation requirements from the more common species grown indoors. Learn all about terrestrial orchids and how to grow them in this guide. Read more now.

All About Orchid Pseudobulbs and How to Care for Them

A close up horizontal image of the yellow and brown bicolored flowers of oncidium orchids, pictured on a soft focus background.

Ever wondered about the bulbous bases of the stems and flower stalks that grow on some orchids? These structures are pseudobulbs and they’re an important part of the anatomy of certain orchids. Learn more about what they do and how to care for them to keep your orchid in tip-top health in this guide. Read more now.

13 Common Orchid Problems and How to Solve Them

A close up horizontal image of bright pink cymbidium orchids pictured on a soft focus background.

Orchids are beloved for their beautiful flowers but they can be temperamental to cultivate. There are a number of possible problems to watch out for – from bud drop to deformed foliage. Some issues are easy to solve and others are incurable. Learn about 13 common orchid problems and what to do about them in this guide.

When and How to Prune Orchids

A close up horizontal image of pink, white, and bicolored orchid flowers growing in pots indoors.

Pruning orchids at the right time can be the difference between a healthy, vibrant plant, and one that never quite looks its best. Each species has its own specific pruning requirements. Learn when and how to prune species commonly grown as houseplants, including Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, and Cattleya in this guide.

When and How to Repot Orchids

A close up horizontal image of the bright pink blooms of Cymbidium orchid pictured on a soft focus background.

Orchids need a new growing medium and a larger pot as they age. Their medium tends to break down, and the roots become potbound over time, limiting growth and often leading to problems. When you think it’s time to repot your orchid, learn when and how to change the medium and put it in a new container in this guide.

How to Propagate Orchids from Seed

A close up horizontal image of a hand holding four orchid seedlings with roots attached.

Once you’ve mastered cultivating orchids, the next step is propagating them from seed. This isn’t a task for beginners – it’s a major challenge! This guide walks you through the entire process to help make it easier and set you up for success. It really is possible to grow orchids from seed. Here’s how.

All About Orchid Roots and How to Deal With Them

A close up horizontal image of a potted orchid with roots growing out of the pot, pictured on a soft focus background.

What are those roots sprouting from the bark in your orchid’s pot? Are they bad or good? Should you trim them off right away or leave them alone? Should you repot? Gardener’s Path helps you understand the different types of orchid roots and how to deal with each of them. Read more now in our comprehensive guide.

How to Grow and Care for Cattleya Orchids

A close up horizontal image of orange and pink Cattleya labiata flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

Do you love bold, bright color and flouncy petals? Cattleya orchids are perfect for those who like their houseplants with some added flair. Known as “Queen of the Orchids,” these are a must-have for orchid lovers or for anyone who seeks some added vibrancy in their home. Learn how to grow them in our guide.

How to Water Orchids

A close up horizontal image of a gardener holding a brass watering can tending to colorful orchid plants growing on a windowsill.

With their elegant flowers, orchids make enchanting houseplants. But what’s the best way to water them? The answer depends on what type of orchid you have, and a few other factors as well, such as growing medium, container type, and even the time of year. Keep reading to learn more about how to water orchids.

How to Encourage Orchids to Rebloom

A close up horizontal image of yellow orchid flowers with reddish pink stripes pictured on a soft focus background.

Once your orchid drops all of its blossoms, is it totally done for? Nope, not at all! Don’t give up on your plant. Following a few tried-and-true steps, it’s possible to coax your orchid into putting on a new show year after year. This guide explains all you need to know to encourage your orchid to rebloom reliably.

Orchids 101: How to Grow and Care for Orchids

A close up horizontal image of orchids growing in terra cotta pots in a conservatory.

Orchids make striking houseplants with their novel good looks – and they’re really not that hard to keep happy. But when you bring one of these beauties into your home, you’ll want to make sure you provide it with the right light and water and give it the best care. To learn the basics of growing orchids, keep reading.