Orchid Flower Buying Guide & Care Tips

Bring elegance and individuality to your living space with orchids. They are the most popular flowering plants worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why. Available in various colors and varieties, orchids will enchant you with their unique beauty. Moreover, orchid flowers are among the most lasting, often blooming for over 3 months.

These tropical plants are native to Asia, Central America, and Australia, and studies show that various types of orchids are present on all six continents. The orchid is a perennial bulbous plant and an epiphyte that grows attached to other plants. In the wild, orchids often grow on trees, absorbing water and nutrients from the rain and air. 

Once you know how to grow orchids indoors, they’re easy to care for, sometimes blooming several times a year. Orchid colors range from white, like the pristine White Moth orchid, to vivid purple. Other colors include yellow, orange, and numerous shades of pink, red, magenta, or lilac. Some varieties are multicolored or have spotted or striped petals, like the fantastic Arcadia Moth orchid.

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Orchids: Benefits 

Orchids are beautiful and elegant, but did you know they are also remarkable air-purifying plants? Here are a few more reasons to grow orchids in your home:

• Removes harmful toxins from the air, making them wonderful bedroom plants
• Easy to care for
• Reduces anxiety and lifts the mood
• Aesthetic appeal
• Completely safe for your pets  
• Some varieties emit a divine aroma
• Medicinal uses in Chinese medicine

Different Types of Orchids: Explore Our Collection

There are over 25,000 species of orchids, and one of the most popular varieties is the moth orchid. Here are four stunning Orchidaceae flowers to consider:

Miraflore Moth Orchid

• Distinct characteristics: The lovely Miraflore Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) has glossy green leaves and banana-yellow flowers with vivid purple-red hues in the middle.
• Level of care: Easy
• Pet-friendliness: Yes

White Moth Orchid

• Distinct characteristics: Simple and elegant, the White Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) will impress you with its classy white flowers on slender, slightly arched stems.
• Level of care: Easy
• Pet-friendliness: Yes

Arcadia Moth Orchid

• Distinct characteristics: The artistic Arcadia Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) is identified by its refreshing salmon-colored petals with vivid pink stripes, matching the middle of the flower.
• Level of care: Easy
• Pet-friendliness: Yes

Purple Moth Orchid

• Distinct characteristics: Stylish and arresting, the Purple Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) is a gorgeous highlight for any interior, with its bright green leaves and profusion of long-lasting magenta purple blossoms.
• Level of care: Easy
• Pet-friendliness: Yes

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How to Grow Orchids: A Comprehensive Care Guide

Knowing how to care for orchids is the key to growing thriving and happy plants. Find out what moth orchids need with our orchid care tips below:  

Watering and Humidity

Water your orchids well once every 7-10 days, letting the water drain so that no excess water is left in the tray. Overwatering can easily lead to root rot. If you’re wondering how to water orchids without overwatering them, submerge the plants in a tub of water for 15-20 minutes and then let any additional water drain from the plant’s roots. When in bloom, orchids need a bit more water than usual. Orchids also prefer extra humidity; place their pots on pebble trays for optimal orchid care.

Light and Temperature

Different orchid varieties have different light requirements. Most orchid plants, including Moth orchids, grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Moth orchids prefer temperatures of 50°F-85°F. To flower, moth orchids need plenty of light. Slightly cooler temperatures in autumn are another way to promote the formation of new buds.

Repotting, Soil, and Feeding

Your orchid needs repotting once every 1-2 years into a well-draining potting mix. Add some bark to encourage air circulation around the roots. Fertilize your moth orchids with a balanced orchid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning, Cleaning, Propagation

Remove any dried leaves or flower stems and clean the leaves once in a while with a soft, damp cloth. Also, support the flower stems to prevent them from bending under the weight of the flowers. If you want to propagate your orchids, wait until they mature and divide them by carefully disentangling the roots. 

Common Issues 

Some common issues include wilting leaves and buds. Wrinkled leaves are a sign of underwatering and low humidity. Too little water, especially with too much direct sunlight, can cause orchids to drop their buds and turn yellow. Failure to bloom is another problem related to incorrect light exposure.

Transform Your Living Space With Unique and Colorful Orchids From Lively Root!

Enjoy the orchid’s exotic charm by growing these lovely indoor plants on windowsills or as a desk plant in your home or office. You can group orchids by different colors to create a contrasting effect or use them as living table centerpieces!

Find the perfect orchid plant for your home, then use our Plant Finder Quiz to select companion plants for your orchid. Our orchid delivery will also make a fantastic surprise gift for someone special!