Orchids

How to choose orchids

For colour in the ground, start with Spathoglottis. Pink Spathoglottis Orchid is the species, found naturally in far north Queensland and through tropical Asia: clumps of broad pleated leaves with flower stems to about a metre, each opening a succession of blooms over many weeks. Purple Passion Native Orchid is a deeper selection, and Lemon Kiss Native Orchid brings yellow into the mix. They read well planted in drifts.

Jewel Orchid is a foliage plant first: dark, velvety leaves pinstriped in pink, with spikes of small white flowers in winter. It is one of the easier orchids indoors because it grows in potting mix and accepts lower light. Vanilla Orchid is a climbing vine for collectors in warm, humid climates. Red Dragon Ginger Orchid is a Globba, a small ginger with hanging chains of coloured bracts in summer and autumn.

Where orchids grow

Spathoglottis are plants for the tropics and subtropics, from Cairns and Darwin down to about the New South Wales north coast. They take full sun to part shade and are damaged by frost. Further south, grow them in pots that can move under cover in winter. Ginger orchids want shade or filtered light and shelter from wind, and they go fully dormant in the cool months, so mark where they are planted. Vanilla needs year-round warmth, humidity and a tree trunk or post to climb; outside the tropics it is a heated conservatory plant.

Jewel orchid suits any warm room with bright, indirect light, away from cold draughts. For plants that share these conditions, see the tropical plants, the ornamental gingers and our indoor plants.

Planting and spacing

Plant Spathoglottis 40cm to 50cm apart in free-draining soil enriched with compost, with the base of the pseudobulbs sitting at the surface, not buried. In heavy clay, raise the bed or use large pots with an open mix. Space ginger orchids 30cm to 40cm apart in humus-rich soil. Pot jewel orchid in a shallow, wide container using a chunky indoor mix, as its stems creep sideways. Tie vanilla loosely to its support and let the aerial roots attach.

Care basics

Water ground orchids regularly in the warm months and ease off in winter. Feed lightly and often from spring to autumn; a slow release fertiliser plus an occasional liquid feed keeps the flower stems coming. Cut finished stems at the base and remove yellowed leaves. Keep ginger orchids just barely moist while dormant, then resume watering when shoots appear in late spring. Let the top of the mix dry slightly between waterings for jewel orchid, and keep water off the leaves. Our orchid care and maintenance guide covers feeding and repotting in more depth.

Common questions

Can orchids grow in the ground?

Ground orchids such as Spathoglottis can. They are terrestrial and grow in well-drained garden soil in frost-free climates, unlike the tree-dwelling orchids that need bark.

Are ginger orchids true orchids?

No. They are Globba, members of the ginger family, named for their orchid-like flowers. They die down in winter and return in late spring.

Will a vanilla orchid produce vanilla pods?

Only on a mature vine in tropical conditions, and the flowers must be pollinated by hand. Most gardeners grow it for the foliage and the challenge.

How much light does a jewel orchid need?

Bright, indirect light is ideal, and it tolerates lower light than most orchids. Direct sun scorches the leaves.