Orchids are vibrant and colorful, a perfect way to add color to your home! They’re also the ideal indoor plant due to their compact sizes, but if you want smaller so you can have more variety- surprise, there’s mini orchids!
History of Orchids
Evidence of orchids can be dated about 120 million years ago making them some of the first flowering plants. They are the oldest and largest family of plants all over the world. Their bizarre shapes, bright colors, and enchanting smells have caught the attention of pollinators. They have 30,000 species and humans have cross-bred them creating 150,000 hybrids! They inhabit every corner of the planet except for the driest deserts and Antarctica.
Easy Care
Mini orchids come in a variety of beautiful colors- pink, yellow, purple, white and even have novelty strains such as orange and green. When it comes to plant care for min orchids, “easy” is an understatement. Some might say these plants are indestructible.
1). Water
Your mini orchid should be potted in moss, which holds moisture extremely well. For mini orchids, you water lightly if needed every 8-15 days.
2). Light
Medium to bright light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight as the leaves can burn easily. You’ll know if your mini orchid is getting too much light if the leaves turn yellow or get splotchy.
3). Temperature
During the day: 68-75 degrees; At night- 65-75 degrees. Make sure to keep the temperature even as drafty and chilly temps will cause flowers and buds to drop.
4). Continuing Care
The last flower of your orchid will eventually drop, and this is when you need to cut the stem halfway between base and top at an angle between the nodes for a possible re-bloom. If it doesn't happen for 45 days then you need to cut just above the crown/leaf for a new spike in winter/spring. Orchid temp must drop to 58 to 60 degrees to force new flower stem. Once the new stem begins, place the mini orchid back in normal temperatures for growing.
5). Fertilizer
Fertilizer is technically not needed, unless blooming is desired. A high phosphorous fertilizer (such as 10-30-20) can be applied to promote blooming.
Tip:
For re-blooming keep next to a window with no direct sunlight during the winter months, the temp must be at 58-60 degrees for 30 plus days at nighttime. Once the new spike starts, place the mini orchid 1 to 2 feet from window or in the best area for growing in your home!