3 Unique and Easy Orchids

Many people shy away from growing orchids as indoor plants because they are presumably very delicate and finicky. Some orchids do require very tender care, but there are others that will grow well and bloom for a long time with relatively little care. The following three orchids have unique features and are easy to grow making them ideal for indoor arrangements.

The Jewel Orchid

Unlike most other orchids the Jewel Orchid is not grown for its flowers. The jewel orchid has stunning foliage. There are a few different species referred to as jewel orchids, but one of the most common is Ludisia discolor. The Ludisia discolor has velvety, dark maroon leaves with bright colored veins. It produces small white flowers in late winter. According to Indiana Public Media, this plant is native to tropical South East Asia. It is a terrestrial plant that prefers low light levels and high humidity.  These qualities make this plant ideal for bathrooms because they enjoy the humidity and can thrive with little sunlight. Jewel orchids are also ideal terrarium plants. They should be potted in a well draining mix designed for orchids. Garden Guides suggests jewel orchids like more water than other orchids but should be allowed to dry a little between waterings. Don’t let them sit in standing water. Fertilizing once a month with a fertilizer formulated for orchids will also help the plant grow quickly and flower longer.

The Nun’s Orchid

The University of Florida describes this orchid as “adaptable” and “easy to maintain.” It has a flower stalk that grows up to four feet high and leaves that reach three feet. The individual flowers are large and brown with a purple lip. They are given the common name nun’s orchid because of the hooded appearance of the flowers. The flowers blossom in response to shortened amounts of daylight and usually bloom for about a month in late winter.  Nun’s orchids prefer bright indirect light. They can be watered once a week. Make sure the potting medium dries a bit between waterings. This plant also prefers some humidity. Fertilizer formulated for orchids can be applied once monthly to encourage healthy growth.

The Cockleshell Orchid

The cockleshell or clamshell orchid grows a small unique flower that resembles a clamshell. The flower is dark purple and brown. It grows opposite of most orchid flowers with the lip on top instead of underneath. It has five long, narrow, curling yellowish sepals that hang down from the clamshell. According to Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, the cockleshell orchid begins flowering in the spring and can flower for up to six months.  Better Homes and Gardens suggests planting this orchid in a potting mix formulated for orchids. Water it every other week allowing the potting mix to dry between waterings. Monthly fertilizing with with an orchid fertilizer will encourage more and longer lasting blooms.

These three easy to grow orchids are sure to look stunning in an interior landscape. Their unique features will attract wanted attention and add an exotic tropical feel to any indoor space. Consider using a Wolcott Planter from NewPro Containers to elegantly display your orchid arrangements. Do you have favorite orchid varieties to work with?

Photo “Jewel Orchid” courtesy of mannewaar

Photo “Orchid Show 18” courtesy of Bosc d’Anjou

Photo “Prosthechea cochleata” courtesy of Tim Sheerman-Chase