Besides, there’s actually a few really good reasons why the bathroom is the ideal spot to grow orchids. And here’s a few more tips to help you on your way.
There’s an old saying that goes like this…”An orchid expert is one who has killed a thousand orchids.”
So I just bought a couple more orchids from Home Depot at $5 each. I certainly don’t intend to kill them…..but you know….it could happen. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy them while in bloom. Don’t they seem to stay in bloom forever?
You’ll easily pay $10 for each bloom corsage at a florist (and all they do is stick a pin on the back and add glitter….tacky!)
Last I counted, just one of my orchids had 20 blooms!
Top Orchid Growing Tips….
- When in doubt, go drought
- Whatever you do, do it before noon
- Misting can result in more problems than benefits
- Water once a week, more in summer and less in winter
- Use temperate tap water – not from rock salt water softener – flush monthly
- Fertilize weakly, weekly
- If leaf is warm to the touch, it has too much light
- Sun changes seasonally, arrange your plants accordingly
- Good air movement and light are just as important as water and fertilizer
Water More When…There is more light
There is more circulation
The plants have thinner leaves
The temperatures are higher
The humidity is lower
The plant is mounted on a slab
The plant is growing in a basket
The plant is in a small pot (dries faster)
The plant is in a clay pot (porous) |
Water Less When…There is less light
There is less air circulation
The plants have thicker leaves
The temperatures are lower
The humidity is higher
The plant is in a plastic pot
The plant is in a large pot (dries slower)
|
Why grow orchids in your bathroom?
- Orchids prefer humidity to be between 50-70% so this makes the bathroom, a place where hopefully lots of people are taking hot showers and baths an ideal spot. They love the dampness!
- Many houseplants don’t survive the winter ~ they simply don’t like the dry interior air. Your bathroom is still your best bet for humidity. Sigh. I just killed my mandavilla. Sad day!
- There’s a reason greenhouses have so many fans. Air circulation. Orchids love ventilation. Good thing your bathroom has…..guess what….a fan! No circulation = fungus + rot.
- Ventilation should be provided for as all orchids do require fresh air from time to time. During the spring, summer and fall, hopefully you have a window to open in your bathroom. But if not, that is what the fan is for.
Secret Code – blizzard
Final orchid tips…
The less you know about the stages, the more likely your orchid will flower once, and you’ll never see a bloom again.
So make sure you do some research on your specific orchid plant.
I have recently started a web site, the instruction you present upon this site has helped me greatly. Thank you for every of your mature and also work.
flowers really brighten up an area!
I may actually try to grow some amaryllis after reading this article!
I just adore orchids, so beautiful and exotic! They brighten up any room!
I never grew a plant in the bathroom.
A friends does this. It helps keep the humidity in the room to allow them to thrive.
I would love to grow in my bathroom
I just spent an afternoon at a orchid farm and it was awesome. I bought three plants that smelled terrific.
Orchids are my mom’s favorite. I get her one every year.
These are excellent tips, especially since I’m terrible at keeping plants thriving. I’ve never dared attempt to grow orchids but these are stunning and I may have to give it a try.
We used to grow ivy in our bathrooms
The orchids are beautiful. I’ve tried to grow them multiple times and always failed. I didn’t realize they have a dormant stage. Maybe I wasn’t patient enough.
I’ve always struggled with keeping orchids alive. I never thought to put them in my bathroom. I think that’s a wonderful idea.
I love this idea!
I tried these once and didn’t do to well. Too dang finicky for me. Mums! Mums are easy, spread, and bloom multiple times a year.
I can never seem to keep orchids alive, maybe with these tips I can finally pull it foo! Thank you for the information!
I think orchids are beautiful, never thought of growing them in the bathroom. Good idea.
I grow orchids in my sunroom under lights and plenty of humidity.
So beautiful. I’ve tried growing orchids before and they just didn’t turn out. I am going to try again with all of your great tips
Beautiful, no I don’t grow orchids. But yes it would be fun to try.