11 Easy Orchids That Are Nearly Impossible to Kill

If you’ve ever killed an orchid, you know what I mean when I say that they can be mercurial and fussy about their environment. Each species has its own quirks and preferences. If you give a vanda the same care as your thriving phalaenopsis, the results will probably disappoint. Luckily, some wonderful orchids are less fussy and aren’t difficult to maintain with the right care. 

Soil

Because they are epiphytic, orchids need significant air circulation around their roots. These roots are fleshy and highly susceptible to fungus. Planting one in potting soil that holds moisture will kill it via root rot. 

Orchid potting mixes are easy to find and an effective route to take. If you like to mix your own, use the right balance of predominantly bark with a combination of perlite and charcoal.

Water

Orchids like water but also need their roots to dry out between waterings so they don’t rot. There are different philosophies on watering, from overhead to ice cubes. I prefer to submerge the pot in water to avoid it collecting in the leaves. 

I leave it in the water for a few minutes to let it absorb and then drain completely. Once per week is enough during the growing season. Every other week may work better in dormancy, but if leaves look wrinkled, it’s thirsty. 

Container

The most important characteristic of a pot or container is drainage. Water should pass through completely, allowing the roots to get the needed air. There are three basic types of containers made just for orchids and other epiphytes. 

1. Wood baskets—These are great for outdoor orchids but can make a mess indoors. They best mimic the natural environment if you don’t mind the mess.
2. Ceramic pots—These are the pretty ones. They usually have a pattern of holes around the sides that let air pass through. Because they are not absorbent, ceramic pots tend to hold moisture. Ensure these drain completely, and don’t let water collect in an attached saucer, if there is one. 
3. Terracotta—These are great for indoors and absorbent, so they wick water away from the roots. They are subjectively less decorative than ceramic pots with their pretty glazes, making them easier to care for. 

Humidity

This is an important part of the puzzle, as it is with most tropical plants. Orchids take in moisture through their roots and a small amount through their leaves. They need a fairly consistent supply of moisture in the air to keep them thriving. 

The caveat is that they don’t all like the same amount of moisture. Depending on their native habitat, those preferences change. It’s important to know the humidity needs of your variety because they aren’t all well suited for indoor living. 

I’ll bring up vandas again because they need very high humidity and warm temperatures. Keeping them in the house is usually a death sentence. They thrive better in greenhouse conditions. You want a plant that is comfortable in the 40-60% humidity range, or you could make your paint peel trying to keep up.

Light

These plants are sensitive to sunlight. However, they are not universally the same when it comes to exposure. They all need light to flower. The question is, how much?

Orchids are mainly rainforest understory plants. They do best with bright but indirect or filtered light. Some prefer a bit more light, and some are very susceptible to sunburn. I’ll indicate these needs for each orchid below. 

Fertilizer

Orchids are heavy feeders, and their planting media doesn’t provide much. It also doesn’t hold much, so fertilizer regularly during active growth and flowering. Use a water-soluble orchid fertilizer every second watering.

This is another reason I favor submerging the roots as a watering technique. You can add fertilizer to your water every other week and soak the roots as usual.

Let’s look at some wonderful varieties that grow well indoors and out. Most of mine are happiest if I let them live outside in the warm parts of the year. However, I know that’s not always an option; many thrive indoors. 

Phalaenopsis ‘Harck Salmon’

Phalaenopsis is the most common orchid that is kept as a houseplant. They are comfortable in low light and happy with about 55-70% humidity. This is slightly higher than most homes, but it’s doable. A sunny bathroom is where mine are happiest. 

Direct sun will burn phalaenopsis roots quickly. One afternoon of direct exposure can do a lot of damage. With these things in mind, this is an easy plant to care for and prefers a bit of neglect. It also has sturdy roots, so it’s less susceptible to root rot. 

There are so many beautiful varieties that it’s hard to choose just one. ‘Harck Salmon’ has a unique and beautiful color. The petals and sepals are salmon-colored, and the labellum is magenta. 

Cattleya ‘Semi Alba’

Cattleyas are sturdy plants with better sun tolerance. In fact, they don’t just tolerate it; they need it to bloom. Part sun is great for this species, but the morning sun is best, as it’s less intense. No more than a few hours is enough.

Cattleya leaves will let you know if they get too much light. If your leaves begin to fade and yellow, they need a break from the light. This species needs fairly high humidity. They will be fine with 50% and better with more. They can tolerate up to 80% on a regular basis, though. 

Commonly called corsage orchids, Cattleya flowers are large and usually fragrant. ‘Semi Alba’ has gorgeous, pure white flowers, bright fuschia labellum, and streaks on the petals and sepals. 

Dendrobium ‘Ladda Red’

Dendrobiums are one of the easiest species to care for. They are flexible with light, though they do prefer some direct sun in the morning. If the light is indirect, make sure it’s all day. They like moderate temperatures similar to those in the home. 

This species has a finer, more delicate root system and is a substantial plant. It may need more water, especially during the growing season. Just make sure it gets good drainage. Watering twice weekly while it’s actively growing may be best. 

Dendrobiums are flexible about humidity; between 40% and 70% is appropriate. ‘Ladda Red’ has wonderful flowers in a breathtaking shade of reddish-purple. Some dendrobiums are deciduous and drop their leaves in winter. Don’t let this alarm you; just scale back on water and fertilizer until they begin to grow back. 

Miltoniopsis ‘Pacific Clouds’

Miltoniopsis orchids are often called pansy orchids because their flowers look remarkably similar. ‘Pacific Clouds’ is a dainty, white variety with just a splash of yellow in the center. This species has many color combinations, each more beautiful than the last. 

This plant prefers moderate humidity. 60% is just about ideal, although higher won’t hurt. They like moisture, so don’t let them go longer than a week without watering. Miltoniopsis prefers cool temperatures, which makes them great houseplants. In terms of light, stick to medium indirect exposure. 

Oncidium ‘Yellow Shower’

Oncidium orchids follow most of the rules. They like bright, filtered, or indirect exposure but will tolerate a bit of direct sun. If you notice a lot of dark green leaf growth, but your orchid doesn’t bloom for a year, it likely needs more sun. 

Watering weekly is a good rule for this species—not too much, but not too little. Standard orchid potting mix is good for oncidiums. They will tolerate as low as 40% humidity but are happier with slightly more. 

You might hear oncidiums referred to as dancing lady orchids. They have a large, frilly labellum that resembles a twirly skirt. ‘Yellow Shower’ has a bright yellow labellum and red speckles on yellow petals and sepals. 

Epidendrum ‘Purple’

Epidendrums are a species that includes both epiphytes and terrestrial plants. They tend to require similar care, but if your variety is terrestrial, it will prefer more soil in its potting medium. This is a wide-ranging species, and for the most part, it is very adaptable. 

These require less attention and precision in care. They are happy indoors and out and tolerate bright, indirect light or partial sun. They also tend to be more tolerant of cool temperatures and satisfied with humidity anywhere between 50-80%. ‘Purple’ is a pretty variety with plum-colored blooms that grow in clusters atop tall stems. 

Brassavola ‘Lady of the Night’

Brassavolas are not as commonly sold to be houseplants, but it’s a shame because they are easy to care for. They are closely related to cattleyas and need similar care. They are easier to propagate and tolerant of more sun than most orchids. 

These plants are more drought-tolerant than most. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering. You can mount this orchid to a piece of wood, and it will grow well this way. It’s one of a handful of species that really doesn’t need any potting media. More humidity will be necessary with no potting mix. Up to 70% is good for this species.

Dendrobium ‘Little Sweet Scent’

I must mention dendrobiums twice because they are a great beginner orchid. They are fast growers and quick to flower, so you know quickly if your plant will be successful. Just keep in mind that some of them are deciduous because when an orchid loses all of its leaves, it can be panic-inducing. 

‘Little Sweet Scent’ has pretty lavender flowers with a prominent dark purple labellum. Its delicious fragrance is reminiscent of raspberries!

Odontocidium ‘Pacific Sun Spots’

Oncidium is typically easygoing. ‘Pacific Sunspots’ is an eye-catching bronze-flowered variety. 

The primary difference is the form of the flowers, although they aren’t drastically different. Odontoglossum, also known as butterfly orchid, has longer, larger petals and sepals and a less pronounced labellum. This cross produces a beautiful and nicely balanced bloom. 

Spathoglottis ‘Purple Passion’

Spathoglottis are also called ground orchids. They are another terrestrial species, and these are entirely terrestrial. They still need good drainage, but the potting medium should be more moisture-retentive. A container with less drainage still works; just avoid soggy soil. 

Another area where they deviate from most species is their light needs. Spathoglottis orchids can tolerate significantly more sun than other types. Still, avoid direct sun in the afternoon. It can burn the leaves. ‘Purple Passion’ is splashy with long, straplike leaves and bright purple flowers. 

Zygopetalum ‘Jumpin Jack’

I find zygopetalum orchids underrated, though I have seen more of them in nurseries in recent years. They are easy to care for and produce great-looking flowers that are commonly fragrant. When it comes to the sun, indirect exposure is important for this species. Direct exposure will burn the leaves. 

These like a bit more moisture than usual. You can add some peat moss to your potting mix to help it retain some additional moisture. Make sure to keep the container freely draining. A humidity of 50% or greater is best for zygopetalum. ‘Jumpin Jack’ has fun flowers in purple, green, and red shades. It has a spicy-sweet fragrance.