New to orchids? Learn how to choose the best orchid for beginners, proper orchid care, watering tips, light requirements, and how to rebloom orchids. Expert guide by DH Garden Centre.
Best Orchids for Beginners
How to Choose, Care for, and Rebloom Orchids with Confidence
Orchids have a reputation for being delicate, temperamental, and difficult to grow. Many beginners admire them from afar, convinced that orchids are only for experts.
In reality, this belief could not be further from the truth.
At DH Garden Centre, we regularly recommend orchids to beginner houseplant growers, especially when the right species and care approach are chosen. With the correct environment and simple routines, orchids can be among the most rewarding indoor plants you will ever grow.
This guide covers everything beginners need to know, from selecting the right orchid to understanding watering, light, temperature, and reblooming cycles.
Choosing the Right Orchid for Beginners
Why Orchid Choice Matters
Not all orchids are equally easy to care for. There are thousands of orchid species, but only a few are truly beginner-friendly.
The most important rule when starting with orchids is simple:
Choose the right orchid, and the care becomes easy.
Phalaenopsis Orchids: The Best Beginner Orchid
Why Phalaenopsis Orchids Are Ideal
The Phalaenopsis orchid, often called the moth orchid, is the most commonly sold orchid worldwide and for good reason.
Phalaenopsis orchids are:
-
Adaptable to indoor environments
-
Long-blooming
-
Forgiving of minor care mistakes
-
Widely available at garden centres and florists
For anyone new to orchid care, Phalaenopsis orchids are the safest and most reliable choice.’
How to Choose a Healthy Orchid at the Store
Many people instinctively choose orchids with the most open blooms. While beautiful, this is not ideal.
Instead, look for:
-
Plants with many unopened buds
-
Firm, green leaves
-
Healthy roots visible through the pot
-
Only a few open flowers
An orchid with unopened buds will provide a much longer blooming display than one already in full flower.
Finding the Right Environment for Orchids
Light Requirements: Bright but Indirect
Orchids do not like direct sunlight.
In nature, Phalaenopsis orchids grow under the rainforest canopy, receiving bright but filtered light.
Best indoor placement:
-
Bright rooms with indirect light
-
North- or east-facing windows
-
Sunrooms with diffused light
Direct sun can burn orchid leaves and flowers, while low light reduces blooming.
Temperature: Cooler Than You Think
Although orchids are tropical, they do not require high heat indoors.
Ideal conditions:
-
Slightly cooler than room temperature
-
Stable temperatures
-
No sudden hot or cold drafts
Avoid placing orchids:
-
Near radiators
-
Beside heaters
-
Next to air conditioners or drafty windows
Consistency is key to orchid plant care.
Understanding Orchid Potting Media
Common Orchid Potting Types
Orchids are usually potted in one of two materials:
-
Sphagnum moss
-
Bark-based orchid mix
Each affects watering frequency.
Moss-Potted Orchids
-
Retains moisture longer
-
Requires less frequent watering
-
Ideal for drier indoor environments
Bark-Potted Orchids
-
Drains quickly
-
Requires more frequent watering
-
Better airflow around roots
Understanding your orchid’s potting medium is essential to avoiding overwatering.
Watering Orchids Correctly
The Biggest Orchid Care Mistake
Overwatering is the number one cause of orchid failure.
Orchids should never sit in standing water.
Proper Orchid Watering Method
-
Keep orchids in a plastic inner pot
-
Remove decorative outer pots
-
Submerge the plastic pot in water
-
Let soak for 30–60 minutes
-
Remove and allow to drain completely
-
Return to decorative container
This method ensures thorough hydration without root rot.
How Often to Water Orchids
-
Moss medium: less frequent
-
Bark medium: more frequent
-
Always allow slight drying between waterings
Roots should never stay constantly wet.
Why Plastic Pots Are Best for Orchids
Plastic pots:
-
Allow visibility of roots
-
Prevent moisture retention at the base
-
Make watering control easier
Decorative pots are fine, but always keep orchids inside a plastic inner pot.
Orchid Reblooming: What to Do After Flowers Fade
Understanding Orchid Bloom Cycles
Phalaenopsis orchids bloom approximately:
-
Every 6 to 12 months
-
Depending on care and environment
Flower loss is normal and not a sign of failure.
Cutting the Flower Spike Correctly
Once blooms fade:
-
Identify the nodes along the flower spike
-
Cut the spike just above a healthy node
-
Leave green stems intact
This allows the orchid to:
-
Rebloom from the same spike
-
Or produce a new spike from the base
If the spike turns brown, it should be removed completely.
Encouraging Orchids to Rebloom
The Importance of a Rest Period
Orchids require a dormant or rest phase to rebloom.
For 4–6 months:
-
Reduce watering slightly
-
Provide slightly cooler temperatures
-
Maintain bright indirect light
After this period:
-
Gradually increase watering
-
Slightly increase warmth
This change signals the plant to produce a new flower spike.
Common Orchid Care Mistakes
-
Choosing fully bloomed plants
-
Placing orchids in direct sunlight
-
Overwatering
-
Leaving orchids in standing water
-
Expecting constant blooms
Avoiding these mistakes dramatically increases success.
FAQ: Orchid Care for Beginners
Are orchids hard to care for?
No. With proper light and watering, orchids are very manageable.
How long do orchid flowers last?
Phalaenopsis blooms can last 2–4 months.
Can orchids grow in low light?
They survive but rarely bloom.
Should I mist orchids?
Not necessary if humidity is adequate.
Do orchids need fertilizer?
Light feeding during active growth helps, but avoid overfeeding.
Why Orchids Are Worth Growing
Orchids offer:
-
Long-lasting blooms
-
Elegant appearance
-
Minimal space requirements
-
Strong visual impact indoors
They reward patience rather than constant attention.
Final Thoughts
Orchids are not fragile divas. They are resilient plants that thrive when placed in the right environment and left largely undisturbed.
By choosing beginner-friendly orchids like Phalaenopsis, understanding their light and watering needs, and respecting their natural bloom cycles, anyone can succeed with orchid care.
At DH Garden Centre, we believe orchids should be enjoyed, not feared.
Visit DH Garden Centre to explore:
-
Beginner-friendly orchids
-
Orchid pots and media
-
Care accessories and expert advice
Start simple.
Grow confidently.
Enjoy orchids for years to come.
Whether you’re shopping for plant lovers, hunting for meaningful plants, or simply looking to add a touch of green to your own holiday décor, DH Garden Centre has everything you need for a joyful, vibrant, and beautifully green Christmas.
Visit DH Garden Centre today: where the holidays grow brighter, one plant at a time.
