An orchid can thrive for many years and bloom again and again, provided it receives the right care. One of the most important factors is where you place it. The ideal spot offers plenty of natural daylight without direct sunshine, combined with a stable indoor temperature. Read on to discover the best spot in your home for an orchid.

 

The ideal spot in your home for an orchid

 

The key is bright, indirect light

In their natural habitat, orchids grow beneath a dense canopy of trees, where they receive plenty of light but are rarely exposed to direct sunshine. In your home, this means placing your orchid close to a window, but out of direct sunlight. An east- or west-facing window is usually ideal. If your orchid is positioned near a south-facing window, place it slightly further back from the glass or behind a sheer curtain to protect the leaves from scorching.

 

Also read: How much light do orchids need?

 

The living room: usually the best choice

Most living rooms have large windows and plenty of bright, indirect light, making them an excellent place for an orchid. Position the plant on a table or windowsill where it receives plenty of daylight without sitting in full sun. Do keep it away from radiators, though, as the warm, dry air can cause the potting medium to dry out too quickly and may stress the plant.

 

The bathroom: surprisingly suitable

If your bathroom has a window, it can be one of the best places in the house for an orchid. The higher humidity created by showers and baths closely resembles the humid conditions orchids enjoy in the wild. However, natural daylight is essential. A bathroom without a window is simply too dark for an orchid to stay healthy in the long term.

 

The kitchen: watch out for temperature changes

A kitchen windowsill can work well, but be mindful of fluctuating temperatures caused by the hob and oven, as well as any fruit kept nearby. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause orchid flowers to fade more quickly. It’s therefore best to place your orchid on the opposite side of the kitchen.

 

Places to avoid

Finally, where shouldn’t you keep an orchid? Avoid placing it in a hallway or any other dark area with little or no natural daylight. Orchids also dislike draughts, so don’t position one next to a frequently opened front door or an open window. Likewise, avoid placing your orchid directly above a radiator, where the air is often too warm and dry.