Orchids are rightly the favorite flowers of the Germans and hard to beat when it comes to beauty and elegance. Unfortunately, they can also be little divas when it comes to care and location.
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The right location for orchids
These exotic plants are known and popular primarily because of their colorful and shapely flowers. However, they only show this when the conditions are optimal. The location plays a decisive role in this. Originally, these beautiful plants grow in the jungle, in a warm, mostly bright environment with high humidity. But not every species likes it warm, some prefer it cool.
Depending on the type of orchid, different locations are possible, both indoors and outdoors. The assumption that relocations don’t get this pretty exotic isn’t entirely true. A change of location often even has a positive effect on the ability to bloom, provided the lighting conditions are right.
Sill
These noble plants are most often cultivated on the windowsill. Depending on the orientation of the window, it is suitable for different types.
- Direct sunlight unfavorable for most species
- Slight shading in the form of curtains or larger plants is recommended
- Dendrobium and cattleya orchids, light window seat in west or south window
- North-facing window sills mostly unsuitable
- As well as a place above a heater
- Drafts should be avoided
- Ensure a regular supply of fresh air
- Increase humidity by regular spraying
- Ideally with low-lime, preferably lime-free water
In the bathroom
Most orchids feel right at home in a bathroom. The indoor climate here is most similar to that of their tropical homeland. Even if the humidity in the bathroom is almost ideal, the plants need an immersion bath once a week. During the dormant period, it makes sense to put them in a slightly cooler place, this stimulates flowering. Conditions similar to those in the bathroom also prevail in the bedroom.
In special showcases
These display cases have artificial lighting so they can be placed in darker locations and the orchids will still thrive. Even if they are a great eye-catcher, you should make sure that they do not heat up too much inside, the orchids would not tolerate that.
In the conservatory or greenhouse
If you own a conservatory, you can also decorate it with magnificent orchids. Thanks to the higher humidity, they feel very comfortable here. However, depending on the orientation, the risk of direct sunlight is usually higher here than in other rooms.
- Protection from the sun is recommended, especially at lunchtime
- Permanently installed, shading elements are an advantage
- Or shade from other plants
- Similar conditions in the greenhouse
- Greenhouse should be heatable
- Strong temperature fluctuations sometimes difficult
If orchids are to be kept in a greenhouse, external sun protection is ideal. It should be able to filter about half of the sunlight from March to October. Equally important is an adequate supply of fresh air. It is best to ventilate well in the evening.
Temporary outdoor location
Under certain conditions, some types of orchids can also be on the terrace or balcony throughout the summer. In contrast to pure indoor orchids, garden orchids can be permanently in beds or tubs.
- Indoor orchids, bright, not sunny location, protected from rain and wind.
- Rain should be able to run off unhindered
- Location should be neither too dark nor too sunny
- A place in the shade of larger trees or bushes would be ideal
- Alternatively under a patio or balcony roof or in front of a shady wall
- Larger temperature fluctuations between day and night usually not tolerated
- In some species, however, they can even promote the ability to bloom
The best-known representatives of the garden orchids are the lady’s slipper and the orchid. Also, they should not be planted or placed on the most sun-intensive side (south side). At best they get a spot with sun in the morning or late evening, on the north side of a house. It stays relatively cool here during the hot summer months.
Site requirements according to orchid species
While most orchids like to be warm, not all species do. While some like it warm, for others it should be moderate or well tempered or even cool.
Orchids that like it warm
They originally come from hot, tropical regions of the world and prefer temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees. It can also be a bit cooler at night, although temperatures should not drop below 16 degrees. These species include members of the genera Phalaenopsis also known as Butterfly Orchid, Vanda , Ascocentrum and Aerides.
Orchids for temperate locations
These orchid plants come from so-called cloud forests. As the name suggests, they are usually shrouded in fog or clouds and are permanently damp. They are found in the tropics and subtropics. These types of orchids do not need temperatures below 20 degrees in summer and at least 18 degrees in winter. Species in the genera Odontoglossum, Cattleya , Miltonia and Dendrobium are affected .
They prefer it cool
Orchid species from cooler climate zones are a little less common in this country. Basically, the temperature recommendations for summer and winter correspond to those of the temperate group. The main difference is that these specimens also tolerate lower temperatures of eight to ten degrees for a short time. This applies to Rossioglossum, Coelogyne and Dendrobium species.
