Orchids have become very popular plants, and an ornament that can be seen in many homes. In flower shops and greenhouses, a wonderful variety of these special flowers can be found today. In nature, wild orchids usually grow on tree trunks, their roots are exposed to the sun, air and water. Potted orchids require a particular watering method, which mimics their natural environment. Water orchids sporadically when their soil is almost dry.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Know when to water
Step 1. Water sporadically
No orchid variety needs water on a daily basis. In fact, too much water can cause the roots to rot and the plant would eventually die. Unlike most houseplants, orchids should only be watered when the soil begins to dry out too much. Wet them in this way, recreates the natural conditions in which they live.
- Some orchid species have organs for storing water. If you have an orchid that has the ability to store water, such as cattleyas or oncidiums, allow the plant to dry out completely before watering it. If, on the other hand, you have an orchid with no organs to store water, such as phalaenopsis or paphiopedilums, wet it before it is completely dry.
- If you're not sure what type of orchid you have, water the plant when the soil is almost dry but still contains some moisture.
Step 2. Consider the climate you live in
How often you water the orchid depends on the level of humidity in the air, exposure to the sun and the temperature of the air. These factors vary depending on the country and the house the orchid grows in, so there is no rule on how often to bathe orchids. You will need to develop a routine based on the climatic and environmental conditions your orchid is in.
- If the temperature in your home is cold, water the orchid less frequently than when the temperature is higher.
- If the orchid is on a sunny window, it will need to be watered more often than it would if it were in a more shady area.
Step 3. Check if the potting soil is dry
Dry soil indicates that the plant needs watering. The orchid is usually composed of bark or moss, and when it looks dry and dusty, it means the plant needs water. But looking only at the soil, you will not have the right indications to know if the plant needs it or not.
Step 4. Lift the jar to check its weight
The vase will be lighter when it is time to water the orchid. If it is heavy, it means there is still water. Over time you will learn to easily distinguish when the weight of the pot decreases until it needs to be watered and when it is still saturated with water.
The jar that still holds water also has a different appearance. If the orchid is in a clay pot, it will look darker when filled with water, and will lighten as the water decreases
Step 5. Do a finger test
This is the best way to know if the orchid needs water. Stick your little finger into the soil, being careful not to disturb the plant's roots. If it doesn't feel humid, or if it feels a little damp, it means that the plant needs water. If, on the other hand, you immediately feel that the soil is damp, it is not yet necessary. If in doubt, let another day or two pass.
Part 2 of 2: Water Properly
Step 1. Make sure the pot has water drainage holes
You can water an orchid correctly only if it is in a pot with holes in the bottom, from which excess water can escape. If you bought an orchid in a pot without holes, repot it in an appropriately holed one. Use orchid-specific potting soil instead of regular generic soil.
- Look for specific pots for orchids. These pots are usually made from earthenware and have additional drainage holes on the sides. You should be able to find them where all other types of pots are displayed.
- If you don't want to repot the orchid, use the ice cube method. This is a quick remedy for getting the orchid wet without having to put it back in a suitable pot. Place the equivalent of 1/4 of frozen water (3 medium-sized ice cubes) on the soil. Let the ice melt. Wait about a week before repeating the operation. This method is not healthy for the plant in the long run, but it works if you don't want to repot the orchid into a more suitable pot.
Step 2. Place the orchid under the water tap
An easy way to water the orchid is to place it under the tap and let the water run at room temperature. Use a faucet with a diffuser, if possible, because it is less aggressive to the plant than the normal jet. Let the water run for about a minute, soaking it into the soil and draining into the holes.
- Do not use water treated with descaler or other chemicals. If you have a particular species of orchid, it is best to water it with distilled water or rainwater.
- The water must drain quickly through the pot. If it feels like it is doing this too slowly or is not draining at all, you are probably using too dense potting soil.
- After watering the orchid, check the weight of the pot. This way you will be able to understand when the weight has decreased and the orchid needs to be watered again.
Step 3. Water in the morning or afternoon
The excess water will have plenty of time to evaporate before it gets dark. If, on the other hand, it remains in the pot all night, it can cause the roots to rot or cause the growth of bacteria and diseases in the plant.
- If you notice excess water on the leaves, wipe it off with paper towels.
- After watering, check the saucer and empty it of excess water, in order to avoid contact with the orchid.
Step 4. Spray your orchid
Since orchids thrive in humid climates, misting the orchid is a great way to keep it healthy, especially since this prevents the roots from drying out. Fill a spray bottle with water, then mist the plant a few times a day (depending on the environment you live in: drier climates require more misting, for humid ones one a day may be enough).
- If you don't know if your orchid needs further misting, check if it's dry.
- Don't let the water collect on the leaves.
- You can find a spray bottle at most department stores or online.
Advice
- When an orchid is blooming or setting new leaves, it will need more water.
- The substrate for orchids is generally coarse and porous, to allow air to flow, although at the same time it has the ability to retain moisture. Greenhouses and specialty stores sell ready-made soil and orchid substrates.
- During the rest periods, between one flowering and the next, the orchid will be watered less. This generally occurs in late autumn and mid-winter, depending on the species.
- The amount of water to be given to the orchid depends on the size of the plant and not on that of the pot.
- Low temperatures and little light will make the orchid need less water.
- In very humid areas, orchids will need less water than orchids in drier climatic conditions. A humidity of 50-60% is ideal for the plant.
Warnings
- If you use water-soluble fertilizers, they could cause salts to build up in the substrate or soil that will eventually damage the orchid. Do not use fertilizers with watering.
- An orchid will quickly die in a waterlogged vase.
- An orchid with limp and soft leaves could be the result of too much water, which has caused the roots to rot or, conversely, the soil is too dry. Always touch the substrate before watering.
