Orchid Care
Orchid Care
Orchids are not difficult — they are misunderstood. Most cultivated orchids are epiphytes: in the wild they grow attached to tree bark, never in soil. The single biggest mistake new orchid owners make is potting them in standard potting mix. The roots suffocate, then rot, then the plant dies. Below: everything you need to grow orchids that actually thrive — substrate, watering, light, repotting, and the species worth seeking out.
Start here: orchid fundamentals
Do Orchids Need Soil? Understanding What They Really Need
Why most orchids die in regular potting soil, and what to use instead. Read this first if you're new to orchids.
Best Potting Mix for Orchids: A Complete Guide
A thorough comparison of bark mixes, sphagnum, and LECA for orchids. What to look for, what to avoid.
Orchid Care 101: Light, Water, Soil, and Food
The complete care framework for indoor orchids. One article that covers all four pillars.
Tutorials & how-tos
How to Repot an Orchid Without Killing It
When to repot, what to do with old roots, how to seat the plant. Photos included.
Soilless Orchid Growing: Why Bark Beats Soil
The biology behind epiphytic roots and why air-circulation matters more than nutrients.
Identification & varieties
Frequently asked
Can I use regular potting soil for orchids?
For most orchids, no. Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and the other common indoor orchid genera evolved as epiphytes — their roots need air circulation and dry-down between waterings. Standard potting soil holds too much water and starves the roots of oxygen. Use a bark-based orchid mix instead. Read our full breakdown: Do Orchids Need Soil?
How often should I water my orchid?
For Phalaenopsis in bark mix, every 7-14 days is typical, but the schedule matters less than the technique: water thoroughly until water runs out the bottom, then let the bark dry until barely damp before watering again. The roots tell you more than the calendar — green or silvery-gray means the plant is healthy.
When is it time to repot an orchid?
Most orchids need repotting once a year, ideally when the bark mix has broken down (it'll feel mushy and stay wet too long). Don't repot just because the roots are growing out of the pot — that's normal for healthy epiphytes. Step-by-step in our repotting guide.
Ready to repot?
Bark, charcoal, and perlite blended in the ratio orchids actually need.
Shop Molly's Orchid MixMore guides: Succulent & Cactus Care · Soil & Substrate Basics · Flowers & Container Gardening · Propagation
