Exotic orchids naturally hail from tropical rainforests where it’s warm and humid year-round. When we bring these beauties into our homes, things get a little tricky once the temperature drops. To keep them happy, you’ve got to tailor your care routine to the specific type of orchid you’re growing.
Orchids Love the Warmth
Generally speaking, most orchids crave a bright, warm spot—an east- or west-facing windowsill is usually the “sweet spot.” Even in the winter, you’ll want to keep temperatures steady, as these plants aren’t big fans of major mood swings when it comes to the thermostat.
Finding the Perfect Winter Spot
Location is everything during the winter months. Since the days get shorter and darker, you might want to consider using a grow light to make sure your plants get enough “sunshine.”
Heating our homes also dries out the air, which orchids hate. To keep the humidity up, don’t just mist the aerial roots; try using a humidifier or a simple pebble tray filled with water and expanded clay. This creates a nice little microclimate for your plants.
One big warning: Orchids are super sensitive to cold shocks and drafts. Be extra careful when cracking a window for fresh air! Also, keep an eye on natural stone windowsills—they can get surprisingly cold. A little “insulation” like a wooden board or a piece of styrofoam under the pot can go a long way in protecting the roots from a chill.
Winter Care Tips for Indoor Orchids
If you’re growing common indoor varieties, here’s your winter checklist:
- Keep their spot as bright and warm as possible.
- Unlike in the summer, south-facing windows are actually great during the winter because the sun is weaker.
- Keep that humidity high, but scale back on watering or soaking.
- If your orchid is in a resting phase (not growing or blooming), stop fertilizing entirely. If it’s currently blooming, a light feeding every four to six weeks is plenty.
Hardy Native Orchids
Did you know some orchids are actually winter-hardy? Native varieties like the Lady’s Slipper, Marsh Orchids, and Butterfly Orchids can handle the cold just fine.
If you have these planted in your garden, you don’t need to stress about frost damage. These tough cookies can survive temperatures as low as -18°F (-28°C) without any extra help. However, if you’re growing hardy orchids in pots outdoors, their roots are a bit more exposed. In that case, give them a cozy layer of mulch, leaves, or some garden fleece to help them get through the freeze.
