Choose an orchid type suited to your home conditions
Use a pot with drainage holes
Plant in orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or another airy orchid mix
Place in bright, indirect light
Keep temperatures moderate and stable
Water only when the potting mix is nearly dry
Avoid letting roots sit in standing water
Water early in the day
Use room-temperature water
Fertilize lightly with orchid fertilizer during active growth
Flush the potting mix occasionally to remove salt buildup
Maintain moderate humidity
Provide gentle air circulation
Repot when the mix breaks down or roots outgrow the pot
Trim dead or rotten roots during repotting
Remove spent flower spikes when appropriate
Check regularly for pests and disease
Protect orchids from direct sun, cold drafts, and overheating