Orchids have become popular as houseplants, and many beautiful varieties of orchids can be found at nursery and garden supply stores. In the wild, orchids often grow on trees, and their roots are exposed to the sun and air and water. Orchids kept in pots require special watering techniques that mimic their natural environment. Water the orchid as needed, only when the potting medium is almost dry.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Deciding the Watering Time
Step 1. Flush as needed
There is no type of orchid that needs to be watered every day. Usually, watering too much can cause the orchid roots to rot and eventually die. Unlike most houseplants, orchids should be watered only when they are about to start to dry out. Water only when the plant is nearly dry to mimic the orchid's natural environment.
- Some orchids have organs that store water, and some do not. If you are keeping a type of orchid that does not have organs that store water, such as phalaenopsis or paphiopedilums, you should water the orchid before it dries out completely.
- If you're not sure what type of orchid you have, water the orchid when it's almost dry, but leave some moisture.
Step 2. Consider the local climate
The frequency of watering is influenced by the humidity in the air where you live, the sunlight the orchid receives, and the air temperature. Because these factors vary by region and house, there are no rules about how often to water orchids. You must establish a routine that is tailored to the particular environment in which you live.
- When the temperature of the house is cool, the orchid will need to be watered less often than when the temperature is warm.
- If the orchid is placed in a sunny window, it will need to be watered more often than when placed in a more shady place.
Step 3. Check if the planting medium looks dry
This is the first indication to know when to water the orchid. Orchid growing media usually consists of bark or peat, and if it looks dry and dusty, it's time to water the orchid. However, just looking at the planting medium is not an accurate enough indication to know that it is time to water.
Step 4. Lift the pot to check its weight
The pot will feel lighter when it's time to water the orchid. If it's heavy, it means there's still water in the pot. Over time you will be able to tell how heavy the pot is when it needs to be watered compared to when the pot still has water in it.
Pots containing water will also look different. If the orchid is planted in a clay pot, the pot will appear darker when wet. If the pot is light in color, it means it's time to water
Step 5. Perform a finger test
This is the best way to determine if an orchid needs water. Insert your little finger into the planting medium, being careful not to damage the orchid roots. If you don't feel any moisture, or if you do feel very little moisture, it's time to water the orchid. If you feel moisture immediately, don't water it first. When in doubt, you should wait another day for watering.
Part 2 of 2: Watering Properly
Step 1. Make sure the pot has drainage holes
You can't properly water your orchid if there are no drainage holes, as water needs to flow out through the holes. Stagnant water in the pot will cause the roots to rot, so water needs to run to the bottom. If you buy orchids that are packaged in ornamental pots without holes, move them to a pot with enough holes in the bottom. It is better to use orchid growing media than ordinary potting soil.
Use the ice cube method if you don't want to transfer your orchid to another pot. If you just want to quickly water your orchid without having to move it to another pot, you can use the popular ice cube method. Place the equivalent of cup of water (usually about three medium-sized ice cubes) on top of the potting medium. Let the ice cubes melt into the pot. Wait about a week before repeating. This method is not optimal for the long-term health of your orchid, but is suitable if you don't want to move the pot
Step 2. Water the orchid with running water
The easiest way to water orchids is to place them under a faucet and turn on the water to room temperature. If you have an installation that divides the flow of water, this is better than one strong flow for orchids. Water the orchid like this for a minute, this will allow the water to seep through the pot and out again in the hole in the bottom of the pot.
- Do not use water that has been demineralized or treated with harsh chemicals. If you have a special type of orchid, learn if you can use distilled or rainwater.
- The water should flow vigorously into the pot. If the water feels trapped in the pot, the planting medium you are using may be too dense.
- After watering the orchid, check the weight of the pot to see the difference in the weight of the pot when it is lighter and the orchid is ready to be watered again.
Step 3. Water in the morning or evening
That way the excess water will be able to evaporate before nightfall. If water soaks the plant overnight, it can cause the plant to rot or the plant to be susceptible to disease.
- If you see excess water pooling on the leaves, wash them off with a thick tissue.
- A few minutes after watering, check the bottom plate of the pot and empty it so that no water is standing near the orchid.
Tips
- When the orchid develops or grows a lot of leaves and roots, it can be watered with more water.
- When the orchid is resting between flowering times, water it with less water. This usually occurs in late fall and early to mid-winter, depending on the type of orchid.
- The rough and porous orchid media allows good airflow to the orchid roots but still retains water. The easiest way to get a good orchid medium is to buy a growing mix from a good nursery.
- Larger plants need more water than smaller plants in the same size pot.
- Cool temperatures and little sunlight will cause the orchid to need less water.
- In very humid conditions orchids require less water. In very dry conditions require more water. The ideal humidity level is 50 to 60%.
- Treat with care
Warning
- If you use a water-soluble fertilizer, salt may build up in the potting medium and over time damage the orchid. Do not use fertilizer every time you water.
- Orchids whose leaves look wilted or weak may be getting too much water causing root rot and water not reaching the leaves or because they are too dry. Check the planting medium before watering.
- Orchids will die quickly when planted in pots soaked in water.
- When you pour water on orchids that are exposed to direct sunlight, brown spots from burning will appear on the flower petals. This will not hurt the orchid, but will spoil its appearance.
