Winter Orchids: Glamorous Houseplants That Bloom for Months

Photographs by Norman A. Plate

Given their glamorous appearance and cachet, orchids make impressive gifts. Their thick, waxy flowers last four to six weeks, often longer—good value for $28–$45 for a 4–6 inch pot. But that's not the end. The orchids described here make good house or patio plants—no steamy hothouse needed. With reasonable care, they'll bloom again next winter and for years. Oncidiums, cymbidiums, phalaenopsis, and zygopetalums are widely available now in nurseries, florist shops, and supermarkets.

Oncidium

Florists call them "spray orchids" for obvious reasons. Tall, branching flower stems dance with dozens of dainty, ruffle-edged blossoms. A few are fragrant: O. Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' exudes powerful chocolate and vanilla scent. Need more light than some orchids, but with right conditions are contented house plants. Bloom Time: Varies. Light: Bright indirect all day or direct morning only. Temperature: 70–80°F day, 55–65°F night. Potting Mix: Commercial orchid mix or medium-grade fir bark with/without perlite. Watering: Keep mix moist during growing/bloom season. After bloom, allow soil to dry somewhat for 2–3 weeks. For extra humidity, place pot on inverted saucer in pebble-filled pan with water below pebble tops. Morning misting helps. Feeding: High-nitrogen fertilizer at least monthly for first six months after bloom; switch to low-nitrogen for next six months.

Cymbidium

First to bloom are miniatures, topping at 2 ft. Do well indoors in warm, sunny spots like south/west windows.

Standard cymbidiums have large, dramatic, long-lasting flowers (8+ weeks typical) and graceful strappy leaves. Blissfully easy to care for. Need some fall chill to set flower buds. Happier outdoors than indoors—as long as temps don't drop much below 32°F or rise above 100°F for more than a few hours.

In frost-free areas, all cymbidiums grow outdoors through winter. Elsewhere, protect from cold in greenhouse or under deep overhangs. In summer, thrive on lath-covered patios. Standards sold in 8–10 inch pots, miniatures in 6-inch. Bloom Time: Sep–Jan (miniatures), Feb–early May (standards). Light: As much as possible without burning leaves. Yellow-green leaves usually flower best. Temperature: Minis: 70°F+ day, 60°F night. Standards: 60–75°F day, 50–55°F night ideal; higher summer temps (to 90°F) and near-freezing winter temps tolerated if sheltered. Potting Mix: Packaged cymbidium mix or fine-grade fir bark with peat moss/perlite. Watering: Keep soil moist Mar–Sep. In winter, water just enough to keep bulbs from shriveling. Feeding: Jan–Jul, complete liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen every 10 days–2 weeks; Aug–Dec, low-nitrogen fertilizer as frequently.

Phalaenopsis

Moth orchid because blooms resemble moth wings—among easiest orchids to grow. If enough light for hand to cast faint shadow, that works. Appreciate high humidity—happiest in bathroom or near kitchen sink. Flowers endure long time; plants send up new blooming shoots frequently. If happy, can bloom several months. Bloom Time: Varies. Light: Filtered; no direct sun. Temperature: 75–85°F day, 60–65°F night. Potting Mix: Orchid mix or medium-coarse fir bark; some add perlite and charcoal. Watering: Keep mix continually moist but not soggy. Additional humidity as for oncidium. Feeding: Monthly year-round with high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Zygopetalum

All orchids seem exotic, but zygopetalum looks otherworldly. Upper petals usually tiger-striped green and maroon; lower lips patterned with violet lines on white—the Nicolas Cage of orchids: slightly menacing, but that's part of the appeal. Growing requirements similar to standard cymbidiums but slightly more cold-sensitive. All pleasantly fragrant. Bloom Time: Most varieties fall/winter bloomers. Light: Full morning sun or bright shade all day outdoors; indoors, south/west window. Temperature: 60–75°F day, 50–55°F night ideal; higher summer temps tolerated if sheltered. Potting Mix: Commercial orchid mix or medium-grade bark with perlite. Watering: Keep mix moist most of year, but let dry slightly for 2–3 weeks at end of summer. Feeding: High-nitrogen fertilizer monthly for first six months after bloom; low-nitrogen for next six months.

Orchid Sources

Winter-flowering orchids widely available at nurseries, florists, supermarkets. Also mail-order directly from Rod McLellan Co. (800/467-2443).