We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Plant Orchid Seedlings?

By Amber Eberle
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 7,494
Share

Orchids are tropical plants that are prized for their delicate flowers. There are many species of orchids, but they all generally require similar care. Orchid seedlings sprout from seeds, and with proper care, will eventually produce flowers. For best results, orchid seedlings should be planted in pots indoors. They require a moist environment, moderate temperatures, and grow best in a mostly shaded area.

Growing orchids from seeds is a complicated process, and the resulting seedlings must be handled with great care. Young orchid seedlings should be planted in small pots which are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) in diameter. They require a rich planting soil, which can be purchased from a nursery, or made by combining charcoal, bark, and perlite. A seedling should be gently placed in the pot, with soil loosely added around its roots. The plant's roots require a lot of oxygen in order to grow, so it is important that the soil is not too tightly packed around the plant.

These plants grow in the world's tropics, where they thrive in the moist, warm weather. In most other climates, orchid seedlings will grow best if they are planted indoors, where the temperature can be controlled. A sensitive seedling requires that the temperature be at least 64° Fahrenheit (18° C) during the evening, and 73° F (23° C) during the day. While orchids grow well in warm temperatures, the seedlings should not be exposed to temperatures above 82° F (28° C).

When planting orchid seedlings, they must be kept moist but not wet. A common watering technique involves placing small gardening stones in a tray, and then filling it with water until it reaches the top of the stones. The pots the seedlings are planted in can be placed on top of these stones, and moisture will be drawn into the soil through the bottom of the pot. A spray bottle should also be used to mist the seedlings with water each day.

While the orchid plant is a seedling, it does not require much sunlight. It should never be left on a windowsill that receives full sun, as the plant does best in a shaded area. As the seedlings grow, they should be fertilized one to two times a week with a liquid fertilizer formulated for orchids. A gardener must be patient after planting orchid seedlings, as they often require 18 to 24 months of care before flowers will bloom.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/how-do-i-plant-orchid-seedlings.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.