- The moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is among the most popular orchids in the world. Moth orchids, which are sold in garden centers, flower shops and even in grocery stores, typically bloom once or twice a year. The blooms may last up to three months. They prefer a range of 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and nighttime temperatures in the 60s. Moth orchids' growing medium must be kept slightly moist. A window through which they may receive morning sunlight, or a location that provides indirect sunlight throughout the day offers the best setting.
- The lady slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) is so named because of the bloom's purported resemblance to a slipper, although the appearance of the large upper and lower petals is also likened to lips. Lady slipper orchids may reach 3 feet in height. Some produce several blooms at once, while others bloom sequentially. They prefer low or medium light, a location that provides a nighttime temperature of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and a daytime temperature of 65 to 75. Small but deep pots are required to accommodate their large root systems, according to the website Everything Orchids, which recommends a potting mixture of bark, charcoal or perlite soil, along with sphagnum moss. A humidity level of at least 40 percent is required.
- Miltonia orchids are sometimes called pansy orchids. All of the species of this orchid are native to Brazil. They have long, slender petals with a larger petal on the bottom of the bloom. These fragrant orchids grow best in intermediate light, so they should be placed next to a sunny window. They prefer daytime temperatures in the upper 70s and the lower 60s at night. They creep and climb, so planting them in a basket next to a lattice is advised. The website Beautiful Orchids recommends a general bark or orchid mix and a drenching in early morning once a week during winter and twice a week during summer.
- The challenge of growing Vanda orchids makes them attractive to many enthusiasts. They produce large, showy blooms with frilly petals in a variety of colors. They like the sun, daytime temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and an environment 10 degrees cooler at night. They grow best in coarse fir bark. Potted orchids should be watered in the morning once or twice a week; those in hanging baskets may require more frequent watering. A humidity level of at least 80 percent is advised.
- Recommendations for strength and frequency of fertilizer vary widely. For example, everythingorchids.com recommends fertilizing lady slipper orchids every other week "at a quarter of the strength instructed on the label" and watering without fertilizer only "every 3 or 4" waterings. In contrast, beautifulorchids.com asserts that lady slipper orchids are sensitive to fertilizer burn and should be given 1/3 tsp. or less of 25-9-9 fertilizer per gallon of water only once a month.
The safest approach may involve starting with a monthly mild application of fertilizer, remaining vigilant for the need to increase frequency and strength.
For moth orchids, Miltonia orchids and Vanda orchids, an application of 1 tsp. of 25-9-9 fertilizer per gallon of water once a month should be sufficient.
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