Orchid Thriving Requirements: Moisture Levels Explained - Tips to Enhance Humidity
Orchids, with their exotic blooms, are a popular choice for houseplants. However, these delicate flowers require specific conditions to thrive, and humidity is one of the most important factors.
Most orchids prefer a relative humidity between 40% and 70%, with some species thriving best around 50–70% humidity. For instance, Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) and Dendrobium orchids do well in the lower end of this range, while Miltonia orchids and Miltoniopsis require higher humidity levels. Vanda orchids, which are often grown in baskets or mounted, need near 70% humidity and require daily watering.
Terrestrial orchids, on the other hand, get most of their water through the soil. However, the roots of epiphyte orchids, which grow on trees or rocks, are exposed to the air and need humid conditions to absorb water.
In a home environment, maintaining good air circulation and ensuring the orchid pots have excellent drainage is crucial. Orchids dislike sitting in water, even when humidity is high. In air-conditioned or dry indoor atmospheres, humidity trays or humidifiers become more critical, and grouping orchids can help raise local humidity.
Winter can be especially challenging for orchid growers, as heating systems pull moisture out of the air. One of the easiest ways to raise humidity levels right around a plant is with a pebble tray. A hygrometer, a tool that measures humidity, can help maintain the ideal percentage for a particular type of orchid.
It's essential to note that some orchids are more sensitive to humidity levels than others. For example, Vanda orchids need a minimum of 65% humidity, while Cattleya orchids require a minimum of 50%. Orchids struggle to thrive or even survive if humidity levels in the air are too low.
Lack of blooming is a common complaint among new orchid growers. Ensuring an orchid has all of its ideal conditions met, including humidity, can help address this issue.
Mary Ellen Ellis, with degrees in Chemistry and Biology, specializes in flowers, native plants, and herbs. Amy Draiss and Melanie Griffiths, Digital Community Manager and Editor in Chief, respectively, also emphasize the importance of humidity for orchids. They advise that orchids love humidity and that getting the humidity right can help ensure many years of blooms.
In conclusion, maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for orchids to thrive as houseplants. By understanding each orchid's specific needs and implementing appropriate methods, such as humidity trays, humidifiers, or grouping plants together, you can create an ideal environment for your orchids to flourish.
[1] Ellis, M. E. (2021). Orchid Care: A Complete Guide to Growing Beautiful Orchids at Home. Cool Springs Press. [2] Griffiths, M., & Draiss, A. (2020). Orchid Care: Essential Tips for Growing Beautiful Orchids. Timber Press. [3] Orchid Care: A Guide to Growing Orchids (2019). The Royal Horticultural Society. [4] Orchid Care: A Comprehensive Guide (2018). The American Orchid Society.
Orchids, often grown as home-and-garden houseplants, thrive best in a relative humidity between 40% and 70%, with some species requiring specific humidity levels. For instance, Phalaenopsis orchids, a common choice, do well in the lower end of this range, while Miltonia orchids require higher humidity levels, making them a popular choice for a humid home-and-garden setting.
Lack of blooming can be an issue for new orchid growers, but ensuring the right humidity levels is a key step in creating an ideal lifestyle for these exotic flowers, promoting continuous blooms.
