Light
Like all tropical orchids, Schomburgkia require lots of bright light every day to thrive. Assuming you are unable to grow them outdoors, keep them somewhere in your home that boasts ample bright light, where they can get at least eight to 10 hours of sun daily. If you notice the leaves on your orchid are growing too small or losing their color, it’s a good sign that they need more light.
Soil
Plant your orchid in a coarse, well-draining soil mixture (like chopped sphagnum moss or perlite), or a store-bought mixture specially formulated for orchids. You can also work in a little organic material to boost the nutritional value of your plant. Above all, make sure your soil drains quickly and very well, as orchids can quickly develop rot if left waterlogged.
Water
These orchids love moisture, so be sure to keep them evenly watered and do not allow them to dry out. Frequent watering is especially important while the plants are actively growing in the spring and summer, and you can step back your watering cadence slightly during the fall and winter.
Temperature and Humidity
True to their tropical nature, Schomburgkia orchids prefer warm temperatures, ideally around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Though they can tolerate slightly lower temperatures during the winter months, you should never let the orchid dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to humidity, it’s best to keep the plant as humid as possible. If growing your orchid indoors, this means keeping it in an already-humid part of your home (like a bathroom or kitchen), misting it frequently, and potentially even using a small space humidifier nearby. The plant will do best in an environment that is 75 percent to 80 percent humidity at all times.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your orchid monthly using a balanced fertilizer (like a 20-20-20 blend) for best results. If you notice your plant is not blooming sufficiently, you can increase your feeding cadence to every other week.
Propagating Schomburgkia Orchids
Schomburgkia orchids can propagate in one of two ways, either by seed or division, though division will likely be easier for typical gardeners. To divide your orchids, separate the stems at the beginning of their growing season and replant them in new containers (likewise, the stems can also be mounted on a vertical surface like a slab). Make sure to use sterile tools during this process to avoid infecting the orchids, which can be highly susceptible to infection during propagation. Keep in mind, it can take some time for these plants to root after division, so be patient and keep them in moist, warm conditions.
Repotting Schomburgkia Orchids
Schomburgkia orchids can be quite large and will require repotting if they’ve begun to outgrow their pots. Telltale signs that a plant needs repotting include wilting leaves, soil that won’t absorb water, and roots that are being pushed against the container sides (or coming out the bottom). To repot your orchid, lift the plant and root ball as a whole and place it in a larger container, backfilling the pot with fresh medium to encourage good drainage.
Common Pests/Diseases
Watch out for common orchid pests like mealybugs and scale. These kinds of insects can be wiped away using rubbing alcohol and cloth in small numbers, but if an infestation has become too widespread, a potent eco-friendly pesticide or horticultural oil like neem oil should be applied.
