Exotic orchid species originally come from tropical rainforests where it’s warm year-round and temperatures barely dip, even in the winter. Our chilly winters back home can be a real challenge for these light-loving tropical beauties, so getting their care just right during the colder months is key.
Orchids Love Warmth and Light
Since these exotic plants hail from the rainforest, they’re used to steady warmth and plenty of consistent sunlight. Our shorter, darker winter days can be tough on indoor orchids. To keep them happy, try to maintain their preferred growing conditions as consistently as possible throughout the entire year.
Winter Care Tips
During the winter, getting enough light is the most important factor for keeping your orchids lush and healthy. If your windows aren’t providing enough sunshine, don’t be afraid to help them out with some specialized grow lights.
You’ll also want to keep temperatures steady and make sure the humidity stays high. In heated rooms where the air gets dry, simply misting the roots usually isn’t enough. I recommend using a humidifier or setting the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (a humidity tray) to keep the air moist.
If your orchid is still blooming, you can give it a little fertilizer every four to six weeks. However, if your plant is dormant, hold off on the fertilizer until the winter break is over and you see new leaves or shoots starting to pop up.
Orchids in Terrariums and Display Cases
A terrarium is actually a fantastic spot for orchids to spend the winter. With specialized daylight bulbs, they get all the light they need, plus the enclosed space keeps the humidity high and the temperatures nice and cozy.
Orchid display cases offer these same great benefits. Honestly, both terrariums and display cases are excellent ways to grow exotic orchids year-round, not just in the winter!
Hardy Outdoor Orchids
Believe it or not, not every orchid comes from a tropical jungle. There are actually several species native to temperate regions that are completely winter-hardy. If you’re growing these varieties in your garden or in pots on your patio, you don’t need to stress about the cold. These hardy orchids can easily handle temperatures as low as -18°F (-28°C).
Some of the most popular winter-hardy orchids include:
- Lady’s Slipper Orchids,
- Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera),
- and Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza).
