Orchids get a reputation for being finicky. A lot of people don’t grow them because they’re thought to be too difficult. While they’re not the easiest plants to grow, they’re far from the most difficult. One key aspect is knowing how and when to water an orchid properly. It’s not as mysterious as you might think, and once you know what you’re doing, it’s remarkably easy. Keep reading to learn more about how to water orchids and orchid water requirements.
How Much Water Do Orchids Need?
Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when growing orchids is overwatering them. Despite the fact that they’re tropical and like humidity, orchid water requirements are actually pretty low. In general, orchids like their growing medium to dry out between waterings.
To test this, put a finger in the growing medium. If it’s dry about an inch (2.5 cm.) down, it’s time for watering. For indoor plants, this will probably translate to about once a week. It will be a bit more frequent for outdoor plants.
Knowing how to water orchids is important too. When it’s time to water, don’t just moisten the top of the potting medium. If your orchid is growing in a pot, set it in the sink and gently run warm water over it until it flows freely from the drainage holes. Never use cold water – anything below 50 degrees F. (10 C.) can seriously damage the roots.
How to Water Orchids
There’s more to knowing when to water an orchid than just the frequency. Time of day is also very important. Always water your orchids in the morning so the moisture has time to evaporate. Watering orchid plants at night allows water to settle into nooks and crannies and encourages fungal growth.
While they don’t do well sitting in water, orchids do like humidity. You can create a humid environment by filling a tray with a layer of gravel and adding just enough water that the gravel isn’t quite submerged. Place your orchid’s pot in this tray – the evaporating water from the gravel tray will surround your plant in moisture without waterlogging its roots.
-
Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats? Here’s How To Protect Your Felines And Avoid TroubleAre snake plants toxic to cats? A good rule of thumb is to simply keep the plant where kitty can’t get to it.
-
How To Create Bright Indirect Light For HouseplantsCreating a space with bright indirect light is a way to mimic the native habitat of many houseplants. Make indoor plants comfy with the right kind of light.
-
8 Flowering Shrubs You Must Prune Before Winter Ends For Maximum Blooms This SummerMany summer-flowering shrubs should be trimmed before winter ends, so don’t wait. Get out there on a sunny day and prune your shrubs for more flowers and healthy growth in spring and summer.
-
7 Must-Sow Flower Seeds For February To Ensure A Dazzling Summer GardenDon't let the cold weather stop you from realizing your growing ambitions. These stunning flowers can all be started indoors in winter for breathtaking results.
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Cats? What You Need To Know For Happy, Healthy FelinesThey have the potential to brighten up homes long after the holidays, but are poinsettias poisonous to cats? Make sure you read this before mixing the two!
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Dogs? What You Need To Know To Keep Your Pooch SafeYou may adore their richly hued tones and textures, but are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? Don’t leave it to chance – we reveal how risky they are, and how to keep pets safe
-
10 Christmas Cactus Problems Solved: Diagnose Common Issues For Healthy Flowering PlantsIs your Christmas cactus underperforming or in poor health? Diagnose and correct common problems affecting holiday cacti to keep them thriving and blooming.
-
Christmas Cactus Watering Guide: How Often To Water Plants For Better BloomsDiscover how often to water a Christmas cactus, how much, and how to avoid under and overwatering for healthy plants that flower reliably over the holidays.
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For WinterDiscover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
-
Propagating A Thanksgiving Cactus: How To Grow More Plants For FreeEffortlessly propagate your Thanksgiving cactus with simple stem cuttings or root division, to create healthy new plants that burst with vibrant blooms year after year.
