The Best Method For Choosing The Right Orchid For Your Home

Orchids are a fascinating plant species. They are beautiful, elusive, fabled, and more than anything, varied. These plants have an assortment of flowers in nearly every shape and color, and cost anywhere from $5 at a grocery store to thousands of dollars at an auction. With so many options to choose from, it’s important you know what to look for when you’re hunting for an orchid to bring into your home.

Before you buy an orchid, choose its location in your home, so you know what light and moisture levels it will receive. Opt for easy-to-grow, locally sourced orchids, especially when you are just starting. Consult your local nursery or an orchid fair to find plants that will thrive in your climate. When selecting a plant, make sure the leaves and roots are strong, and choose ones with buds that haven’t opened yet.

Orchids can be intimidating to grow, especially for people who don’t have a green thumb. While it’s true that some species require constant attention, others will bloom several times a year for decades with very little care. To ensure you choose the right plant for your home, below are some tips to help in your search for the perfect orchid.

13 Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Orchid

1. The Location

It’s usually a good idea to choose a plant’s location before you choose the plant. If you buy the plant first, you might have to rearrange a room to help it thrive. When you pick the location in advance, you know how much light the orchid will get, as well as approximate moisture levels.

Orchids require varying degrees of light, with some enjoying direct light and others preferring shade. Different species prefer different humidity levels. When you know these two important variables ahed of time, you are more likely to pick an orchid that will do well.

2. Start With Easy-To-Grow Varieties

It’s best to start slowly when you begin caring for orchids. Don’t challenge yourself unnecessarily with a specialized species that requires daily attention. Instead, choose one of the many low-maintenance options. Phalaenopsis, moth, and slipper orchids are three popular and easy-to-grow plants that make a great first option. Once you’ve kept one of these orchids alive for a while, you can consider branching out to other varieties.

3. Choose Local Flowers

Buying plants native to your area is always a good idea. It promotes a healthy ecosystem, and it also ensures you’re growing plants that enjoy the weather where you live. Not every region has native orchids, but many do. Research local orchids in your area and see whether any species interest you. This is particularly great if you want to cultivate orchids outdoors.

4. The Flower’s Blooming Cycle

Orchids are breathtaking when they are in bloom. With no flowers, they have just a few leaves and exposed roots. To help bring color into your home, choose a variety that blooms often and for long periods. Some orchids flower briefly just once a year. Others can bloom twice a year for up to 8 weeks per cycle. Know the orchid’s blooming cycle before you buy it.

5. A Plant That Will Thrive In Your Climate

Many orchids are low maintenance, but only in a climate they enjoy. Always ensure you choose an orchid that will thrive in the conditions in which it's located. If you plan to put an orchid inside your climate-controlled home, avoid one that requires constant humidity, unless you plan on spritzing the plant daily. When you find an orchid suitable for your climate, it’s easier to care and keep alive.

6. The Flower Color And Size

Another consideration to think about when shopping for an orchid is its flowers. More specifically, think about the color and size of the blossoms. In many cases, the orchid see won’t be in full bloom, which can make it harder to visualize it in your space. Choose a plant whose flowers complement the space, not overpower it. If you’re looking for a show-stopping species, choose large and vibrant blooms. For a subtle accent to your minimalist aesthetic, opt for more neutral colors.

7. A Plant That Suits Your Lifestyle

Orchids bring joy and can last for many years. Some varieties need watching when you go on vacation. If you enjoy a no-strings lifestyle that’s free of children and pets, don't get an orchid that requires care every day. For someone who enjoys nurturing, a needier plant might be a fun challenge. Either way, choose an orchid that suits your lifestyle.

8. Strong Leaves And Roots

As you look at specific orchids, there are several aspects to inspect. The leaves and roots of each orchid are its lifeblood. Choose a plant with the strongest roots and leaves you can find. Leaves should be vibrant and firm. If they are shriveled, discolored, or saggy, the plant is struggling to survive, and you should avoid it. Make sure the roots are developed and show no signs of rot or damage.

9. Indoor Versus Outdoor Orchids

While there are nearly 30,000 types of orchids, they can usually fit into one of two categories: indoor or outdoor. Some plants can live in either environment, but outdoor orchids take more research and planning. Growing orchids indoors is usually easier because the climate, humidity, and sunlight are controlled and consistent. Outside, orchids are bound to experience more fluctuations and extremes. If you grow an orchid outdoors, choose a species that is rugged, resilient, and known for surviving outside.

10. Buy A Plant With Unopened Buds

Pay attention to an orchid's buds. Instead of choosing a plant that’s already in bloom, pick one with buds that look like they are about to open.  A plants with bud rather than flowers helps you enjoy the full blooming period, not just part of it. The difference can be more than 6 weeks of bloom time.

11. Consult A Local Nursery

A nursery can often provide you with knowledge in your quest for the perfect orchid. Find a locally run plant shop that specializes in orchids. The owners often sell orchids that thrive in the area and can guide you in the right direction, depending on what you’re looking for. Buying an orchid at a discount home store might save you a few dollars, but you won’t get the local expertise or quality plants that these flower shops have.

12. Visit An Orchid Show Or Club

Orchid shows pop up around the country annually. They are often held in the spring, which is a fantastic time to buy plants. While these shows feature world-class plants and growers, they also sell many orchid species. It's a great place to buy an orchid and learn how to care for them. An orchid show or club can also get you excited about these plants.

13. Inspect For Pests And Red Flags

Another thing to check for when you pick up an orchid is pests. You never want to buy a plant that has pests, or shows signs of pest damage. Not only are these plants less likely to survive, but you can bring pests into your garden or home and infect healthy plants. 

Summing Up Tips To Help You Choose The Right Orchid

There are 30,000 types of orchids on the planet, but choosing the perfect one for you isn't always easy. If you’re interested in bringing an orchid into your home, but have never cared for one before, there are some tips to remember.

Choose an orchid that will thrive in the moisture and light conditions you plan to keep it in, and opt for low-maintenance varieties from local nurseries when you’re first starting. Consider the plant's color, size, and blooming cycle. Before purchasing a specific orchid, inspect the leaves and roots to ensure they are healthy, and look for signs of potential pest issues.

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