The Best Orchid Companion Plants for Your Garden

Why Companion Planting Matters

Do you want to take your orchid garden to the next level? One way to do so is by incorporating companion plants. Not only do they add visual interest to your garden, but they can also improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, and even help deter pests. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best orchid companion plants and how to incorporate them into your garden.

The Top 15 Orchid Companion Plants

1. Ferns

Ferns are a classic companion plant for orchids. They thrive in the same humid conditions as orchids and provide a lush backdrop for their stunning blooms. Some popular varieties include Boston ferns, maidenhair ferns, and staghorn ferns. If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, try the bird's nest fern, which is easy to care for and won't overwhelm your other plants.

2. Bromeliads

Bromeliads are another great option for orchid companion plants. Like orchids, they prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Some popular species include air plants, pineapple plants, and Spanish moss.

3. Tillandsias

Tillandsias, also known as "air plants," are a unique and eye-catching addition to any orchid garden. They don't require soil to grow, instead absorbing nutrients and moisture from the air. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small, round bulbs to long, spiky tendrils. They're also easy to care for, making them a great option for beginners.

4. Succulents

Succulents are a hardy and drought-tolerant companion plant for orchids. They add texture and visual interest to your garden, and their low-maintenance nature makes them a great choice for busy gardeners. Some popular varieties include jade plants, hens-and-chicks, and echeverias.

5. Hostas

Hostas are a shade-loving plant that pairs well with orchids. Their large, broad leaves provide a nice contrast to the delicate blooms of orchids. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, from small, compact varieties to large, showy specimens. They're also easy to propagate, making them a cost-effective option for your garden.

6. Calatheas

Calatheas are a tropical plant that thrives in the same conditions as orchids. They have striking foliage with bold patterns and colors, making them a great addition to any garden. Some popular species include the zebra plant, rattlesnake plant, and prayer plant.

7. Begonias

Begonias are a colorful and low-maintenance companion plant for orchids. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, from small, compact varieties to large, showy blooms. They're also relatively easy to care for, requiring only moderate light and regular watering.

8. Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a shade-loving plant that pairs well with orchids. They have beautiful foliage in a range of colors, from deep burgundy to bright lime green. They're also relatively low-maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners.

9. Peperomias

Peperomias are a small, compact plant that pairs well with orchids. They have striking foliage in a variety of shapes and colors, from heart-shaped leaves to rippled edges. They're also easy to care for, requiring only moderate light and regular watering.

10. Pothos

Pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is a trailing vine that looks great when paired with orchids. It has beautiful, variegated leaves in shades of green and yellow, and can grow up to 10 feet long if given enough space. It's also easy to care for, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens.

11. Spider Plants

Spider plants are a classic companion plant for orchids. They have long, drooping leaves that look great when paired with the delicate blooms of orchids. They're also easy to care for, making them a great option for beginners.

12. Coleus

Coleus is a colorful and low-maintenance companion plant for orchids. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, from deep burgundy to bright lime green. It's also easy to propagate, making it a cost-effective option for your garden.

13. Tradescantia

Tradescantia, also known as wandering jew, is a trailing vine that looks great when paired with orchids. It has beautiful, variegated leaves in shades of purple, pink, and green. It's also easy to care for, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens.

14. Dracaenas

Dracaenas are a tropical plant that pairs well with orchids. They have striking foliage in a variety of colors, from deep burgundy to bright lime green. They're also relatively low-maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners.

15. Ficus

Ficus, also known as figs, are a hardy and drought-tolerant companion plant for orchids. They add texture and visual interest to your garden, and their low-maintenance nature makes them a great choice for busy gardeners. Some popular varieties include the rubber plant, fiddle leaf fig, and weeping fig.

How to Incorporate Orchid Companion Plants into Your Garden

Now that you know some of the best orchid companion plants, how do you incorporate them into your garden? Here are a few tips:

1. Consider Light Requirements

When choosing companion plants for your orchids, make sure they have similar light requirements. Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light, so look for plants that thrive in those conditions.

2. Choose Plants with Similar Watering Needs

Orchids are notoriously finicky when it comes to watering, so choose companion plants that have similar moisture requirements. This will make it easier to care for all of your plants at once.

3. Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of companion plants in your orchid garden. This will add visual interest and create a more dynamic landscape.

4. Use Containers

If you're short on space or have limited outdoor planting options, consider using containers to house your orchids and companion plants. This will allow you to move them around as needed and create a more flexible arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can orchids grow with other plants?

Yes, orchids can grow with other plants. In fact, companion planting can be beneficial for both the orchids and their companions.

Q2. Do all companion plants need the same growing conditions as orchids?

No, not all companion plants need the same growing conditions as orchids. However, it's important to choose plants with similar light and moisture requirements to ensure they thrive together.

Q3. Can I grow orchids indoors with companion plants?

Yes, you can grow orchids indoors with companion plants. Just make sure to choose plants that thrive in similar indoor growing conditions.

Q4. How many companion plants should I have for each orchid?

There's no set number of companion plants per orchid. It depends on the size of your garden and the look you're trying to achieve. Generally, a few well-placed companion plants will add visual interest without overwhelming your orchids.

Q5. What are some common problems when pairing orchids with companion plants?

Some common problems when pairing orchids with companion plants include overwatering, under-watering, and incompatible soil types. Make sure to research each plant's specific care requirements before planting them together.



Incorporating companion plants into your orchid garden is a great way to add visual interest and improve soil health. Whether you choose ferns, succulents, or something in between, there's a companion plant out there that will pair perfectly with your orchids. Just remember to choose plants with similar light and moisture requirements, and mix and match to create a dynamic landscape.