Why Orchids Struggle Indoors (and How to Help Them Thrive)
Orchids have a reputation for being one of the trickiest houseplants to care for. If you’ve ever brought home a beautiful orchid in full bloom only to watch its flowers fade, leaves wrinkle, and roots turn limp or brown, you’re not alone. The truth is, orchids aren’t naturally difficult — they’re simply not suited to the environments we often give them indoors.
The good news? With a few adjustments and the right setup, orchids can thrive in our homes and reward us with flowers again and again. Let’s look at why orchids struggle indoors, and how you can create conditions that keep them healthy.
Why orchids struggle indoors
The most common issues stem from trying to fit an orchid’s tropical origins into the modern home:
Low humidity – Most orchids, like the popular Phalaenopsis, come from humid forests where the air is consistently moist. Indoors, central heating and double glazing create dry air that stresses orchids.
Poor drainage – Orchids are epiphytes, meaning in nature they cling to trees with roots exposed to the air. In plastic nursery pots or decorative cachepots, their roots often sit in soggy soil or stagnant water.
Inconsistent light – Orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Too much sun scorches their leaves; too little stops them from flowering.
These conditions explain why you might see wrinkled leaves, buds dropping before they open, or roots that look brown and mushy.
The role of humidity and drainage
Healthy orchids need two things their natural environment provides: moisture in the air and roots that can breathe. When either of these are missing, the plant becomes stressed.
Indoors, we usually try to fix dry air by watering more often — but this creates waterlogged soil and eventually root rot. It’s a cycle most orchid owners know well. The key is to raise humidity around the plant while keeping roots free-draining.
Simple fixes you can try today
If your orchid is looking tired, these quick adjustments can help:
Group plants together – Orchids release moisture into the air. Placing them near other houseplants increases local humidity.
Use a pebble tray – Fill a shallow dish with pebbles and water, then place your orchid pot on top. As the water evaporates, it raises humidity without touching the roots.
Avoid radiators – Heat sources dry out the air rapidly. Move orchids to a spot with stable temperatures.
Mist sparingly – A light mist can help, but avoid heavy spraying, especially late in the day, as lingering droplets on leaves can cause rot.
These tricks can make a noticeable difference, but they do have limits — especially if your home is particularly dry.
A design-led solution: Orla
To make orchid care simpler, we designed Orla, a planter that balances humidity and airflow in a way that matches what orchids need.
A ceramic pot with a raised platform keeps roots lifted above stagnant water.
A glass outer vessel gently maintains humidity around the plant.
Free drainage ensures water never sits at the bottom, avoiding rot.
The result: an environment that mimics orchids’ natural conditions — airy, humid, and balanced.
Orla isn’t just functional; it’s designed with clean, minimal lines inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese interiors. Instead of hiding your orchid in a plastic pot inside a decorative cover, Orla turns plant care into part of your home’s aesthetic.
Conclusion
Orchids aren’t “difficult” plants — they just need their environment to be understood. With the right balance of humidity, airflow, and light, they’ll thrive and reward you with repeat blooms.
If you’re ready to give your orchid the care it deserves, discover Orla, our humidity-regulating orchid planter — designed to keep orchids healthy indoors while adding quiet elegance to your space.