How to Water Orchids: 7 Tips For Watering Orchids

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are tall flowering tropical plants featuring a central lip and three inner petals with surrounding sepals (or outer petals). The entire family of orchid plants contains over 25,000 natural species and more than 200,000 hybrids. Orchid blossoms come in a wide range of colors, from white to orange to pink.

Orchids need bright, indirect light, moderate temperatures, a humid environment, well-draining soil, and a container with drainage holes.

Here are four of the most popular orchids for home gardeners to plant.

1. 1. Cattleya: Cattleya orchids have a ruffled appearance and a robust fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. They can grow up to two feet tall.
2. 2. Phalaenopsis: Also called the moth orchid, these hardy orchid plants prefer high humidity and are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. If you’re growing orchids as houseplants, add humidity to the room where they are located with a humidifier or pebble tray underneath the bottom of the pot.
3. 3. Paphiopedilum: Also known as lady slippers, these are some of the best orchids for beginners because they are low-maintenance and thrive under most lighting conditions.
4. 4. Dendrobium: Dendrobium orchids are epiphytes, which grow on other host plants and objects in the wild. They prefer high-humidity levels, strong, indirect sunlight, and are susceptible to overwatering. Dendrobiums have delicate, light-colored flowers ranging from purple to green and mostly maintain their foliage year-round.

Orchids prefer dry conditions and need less water than other tropical plants. The most common mistake that orchid growers make is keeping the soil too wet. If the soil is too wet, its delicate roots will succumb to root rot (in which the roots turn black and eventually die).

Plan your watering schedule to give your orchids about half an inch of room-temperature water weekly. Alternatively, water your orchids with ice (about three cubes) once a week to mimic the gradual dripping of rainfall in their natural habitat (the rainforest).

Additionally, add a medium to your soil, such as highly absorbent sphagnum moss or bark for soil aeration. Regular potting mix is too dense for an orchid's roots and can result in water retention. Your plant’s water needs will also depend on the size of the pot (small pots need more frequent watering) and the orchard type you’re growing.

Here are some tips to consider to ensure the proper watering of your orchid plants:

1. 1. Let the potting media dry. Only water your orchid when the potting media has dried completely. Too much water can lead to root rot, but underwatering will yellow the leaves and cause the flower buds to drop. If you think your orchid is due for watering, insert a wooden skewer (or your finger) into the soil to test its moisture. If it comes out dry, it is time to water your orchid.
2. 2. Water at the right time. Water your orchids early in the morning, so they have plenty of time to absorb the moisture before the temperatures get cooler in the evening.
3. 3. Use the right type of water. Water your orchids with distilled water or fresh rainwater. Water containing chemicals that block water absorption is too hard for your plants, while soft water is high in salt and dries out the soil, which can harm your plant. If you need to use tap water to water your orchids, boil it first, then let it cool off completely to remove any contaminants.
4. 4. Prioritize room-temperature water. Orchids cannot tolerate water that is too hot or cold. Use room-temperature water to water your orchids unless you’re using ice cubes for the job.
5. 5. Soak the roots. Soaking your orchids lets them drink plenty of water without trapping any moisture. Simply place your pot in a large container filled with water to a level that nearly reaches the lip of the pot. Let the plant’s roots soak for about fifteen minutes. Take care not to soak the plants for too long because excess water will suffocate the roots. Only soak your orchid if your planter has drainage holes.
6. 6. Add ice cubes to the pot. Watering orchids with ice cubes may seem counterintuitive, given the tropical habitat of these plants. However, watering orchids with ice cubes regulates the amount of water they can drink, mimicking the natural rainfall drip in their natural rainforest environment. Whenever your orchids need water, place about three ice cubes in the pot. The slow release of melting water ensures that your orchid isn’t drinking ice-cold water.
7. 7. Mist for added moisture. Orchids use their aerial roots to draw moisture from the air. If you live in an arid environment, misting your plants will give them the moisture they need without drowning them. Gently blot the plant’s leaves with a cotton round or paper towel afterward. Water that lingers on your orchid’s leaves for too long can lead to rot or encourage bacterial growth.

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