Phalaenopsis (phals), Paphiopedilum (paphs) and Oncidiums (onc) are varieties that Mary Jo finds most easy to grow in the home. These hybrids are usually considered “beginner orchids,” largely because they will re-bloom under the conditions that most windowsill growers can offer. They require less light, about the same as for African violets, and will adapt to the humidity levels that are present in most homes.
Paphiopedilums (paff-ee-oh-PED-ih-lum, also known as lady’s slipper) are the old world relatives of the lady’s slipper that grow here in the wild of the Maine woods. Paphs only require “fairly bright light” and normal home room temperatures to prosper.
A great resource for Orchid information is the “American Orchid Society (AOS)”and their website is: aos.org. For detailed information on Paphiopedilium orchids (light, fertilizer, water, temperature, humidity) click on the following link: Paphiopedilium Orchids.
Orchids can be grown on a tray of pebbles with water, which prevents the pots from sitting directly in the water while providing needed humidity. Orchids like to be kept warm during the day and a little cooler at night. It’s true that watering orchids does seem to give those unfamiliar with growing orchids the most trouble. Mary Jo waters her orchids once a week. During the summer, they get watered every five days. Basically, the hotter the temperature, the more water they need, and the colder it is, the opposite holds true. It’s all simply a matter of practice.