Good Growing

Ep. 262 Growing orchids at home: Easier than you think | #GoodGrowing

August 21, 2026·58 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but they may be easier than you think! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, where we are joined by horticulture educator and longtime orchid enthusiast Jack Schooley. Learn about common orchid myths, good orchids for beginners, watering and light requirements, getting orchids to rebloom, and troubleshooting common problems. Plus, discover whether watering orchids with ice cubes is a good idea and how there really is an orchid for everyone! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SSO87aYwcJo  Skip to what you want to know:    01:56 – Welcome Jack! Tell us a little about your background. How did you get into growing orchids?  05:34 – Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow. Is that true? What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about orchids?   10:19 – For someone buying their first orchid, what type(s) would you recommend?  12:42 – What should people look for when purchasing an orchid?   15:53 – Do we grow orchids like regular houseplants? What makes orchids different from other houseplants?  21:34 – Watering orchids, should we use ice cubes?  24:07 – Humidity  27:57 – Where should we locate orchids indoors?   30:39 – Repotting orchids. What kind of pot should be used (do they need to be clear)? When do you know when to repot?  34:57 – How do we get orchids to rebloom?  43:15 – Common orchid problems  50:59 – What is the most common reason orchids fail to thrive long-term?  52:32 – Top three orchid growing tips   56:29 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!  Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.eduJack Schooley: jackrs@illinois.edu  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.  Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --You can find us on most podcast platforms.  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377     Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR    Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/    Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/    Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902    Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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