There are over 25,000 orchid species (as they appear / grow in nature) and over 100,000 hybrids. Approx 75% orchids are epiphytic (growing above the ground, supported by another plant or growing in trees or on rock formations). Because of this you care for them differently than terrestials house plants. Here are their requirements and some tips.

Watering - The easiest way to kill an orchid is to over water it. Water really good with a garden hose, get the entire plant wet as well as the basket/pot. During the winter water once or twice a week, during the summer two to three times a week. When in doubt, wait a day, the plant should be totally dry before watering except Vandas. Water Vandas more, daily if possible. Try to water early morning.

Light - The sun is not an appropriate element (most instances). Orchids like light not sun. Orchid foliage should not be a rich green but more a light grassy green or about the color of a green olive, avocado or pickel.

Temperature - Temperature range from 60 night to 85 day. Most orchids can tolerate cooler night (50) temperatures for a few nights however watch the wind chill factor as well. The hotter it is the more humidity & air movement needed.

Ventilation / Air Movement - Orchids like air movement, place orchids in a tree, screened pool area, screened in porch with air movement.

Humidity - Most orchids like the humidity level between 50% to 75%. Humidity can be created by misting the plant but this is not watering. Misting is not a form of watering.

Fertilize - There is a saying... weak, weekly, which means fertilize weakly with a weak (1/4 or 1/2 strength) solution. We fertlize every weak. One week we use 20-20-20 the following weak we use 10-30-2 (something with higher middle # to promote blooms).

This is a just a guide. Every orchid grower, both commercial & hobbyist, has a method, so adapt what works for you. Good Luck!

Listed in order of light requirement (foot candles).

Vanda family - Strong light is important (4000 - sunglasses required). Southern exposure with 25% to 30% shade. Warmer the temperature the faster they grow, 55 winter nights, days temps 75 to 95. Water frequently during warm weather, early in the day. Keep humidity level at 80% mist to careate humidity.

Dendrobiums - (2500-3000) Bright light - east, shaded south or west exposure. Temperatures between 55 and 85 are best. Dens like to thoroughly dry out between watering. During the winter, water once maybe twice a week - during the warmer weather water more, but let them dry out between waterings. Humidity level should be 40 to 60.

Catleya - (2000-3000) Bright light just slightly less than Dendrobiums. East, shaded south or west, 30% to 50% shade. Night temps 55 to 60, days of 70 to 85 for mature plants. Mist or use trays of pebbles to create humidity level of 50% to 80%. Plants must dry out between watering, water once or twice a week in winter, perhaps 3 times a week in summer depending on temps and humidity.

Oncidium Alliance - (2500) Bright light 20% to 60% shade. Tolerant to wide range of temps, average range for days 80 to 85 with nights to 55 to 60. Water once perhaps twice a week in winter and about 3 times per week during the summer. Most plants like to dry out between watering. Humidity level should be between 30% to 60%.

FYI's

Clay pots dry out quicker than plastic pots.

The bigger the leaf - lower light requirements (phal, then cat), smaler the leaf (Vanda) more light required.

Most potted plants need repotted every two years, when potting media has broken down or plant is growing over the side of the pot.

Don't cut anything on an orchid plant unless you know it is abslutely dead. Pseudobulbs without any leaf hold water & nutrients which fees the plant, plus the stem can flower on Dens or produce a keiki (baby).