🌸 Orchid: Growing Guide
Orchid (Phalaenopsis) grows best in partial shade with little water, and does well at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Phalaenopsis |
|---|---|
| Category | Indoor Plants |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 0 cm (0 in) |
| Height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Water, then let it drain.
Growing tips
Moth orchid. Indoor plant. Water sparingly. 2–4 blooms per year.
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Orchid: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Orchid: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Water, then let it drain.
Orchid: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0 cm (0 in).
Orchid: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Orchid: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Mealy bugs, Scale.
Plan your garden
Add Orchid to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
Open the free planner →