Until I received an orchid as a gift, I never considered keeping one for myself. They are known for being expensive – even a plant in the floral section of the grocery store is likely to cost $15 or more – which is a dubious investment for anyone without a green thumb. Also, I live in a dry climate, and orchids are tropical plants, so it seemed unlikely that I’d be able to keep an orchid alive when I couldn’t get through the day without slathering on lotion and lip balm. The orchid I received as an addition to my household plant collection is thriving, however, because of a few simple tricks. Here’s how you can keep your orchid healthy and happy in a dry climate.
Orchids can be tricky to grow, and before choosing a variety, it’s best to do some research on the type of potting materials, best fertilizers, and amount of light needed. That way, you can select an orchid that fits best with your living situation. No matter which orchid you choose, you’ll find that it thrives best in more than 50% humidity. (Orchids can grow in about 40%-85% humidity, and the high end of that is better.) If you live in a damp climate, you probably take steps to keep your indoor spaces drier than the outside air. If you live in a dry climate, as I do, you’ll have to give your orchids some special care, and extra watering won’t do the trick.
Orchids need light and air, but I keep mine away from vents and heaters. The air in my home is very dry, so I don’t want to blow it directly onto my orchid. On a breezy day, I’ll put the orchid by an open window instead. Otherwise, I have to add humidity to my orchid’s environment.
When humidifying your home, take care; excess humidity can cause plants to rot, mold to grow, and even wallpaper to peel from your walls. Place protective material under and around your orchid if need be.
The most common ways to increase humidity around orchids are to use a warm moisture humidifier, to mist them lightly with a spray bottle, to group several plants together (to take advantage of any water evaporation), and to place the orchid’s pot over a shallow tray of water. These tips might not be practical for you if you’re not home all the time, if you don’t have other plants, or if you have pets or children who could get into your water reservoir.
Another tip for keeping orchids in a dry climate is to let your flowers help out in the kitchen. When I’m boiling water, I move my orchid to the counter a few feet away from the stovetop to take advantage of the microclimate. I also put the orchid on the counter above the dishwasher while it’s running, and leave it there when I crack the door to let the steam out after a load of dishes is done.
Finally, I grab my orchid every time I take a shower. While I get clean, my orchid soaks up the steam, and it’s thriving. No mess, no fuss, and I get a little extra luxury every morning. It takes just a few extra seconds a day to keep an orchid thriving!
