By Justin Hanco*ck
One of the most common questions we get here at Costa Farms is how to water your orchid. It’s no surprise – it’s a good question. After all, you don’t see a lot of plants sold growing in moss with their roots visible. Read on for tips for watering phalaenopsis (moth), dendrobium, and oncidium orchids.
So how do you water orchids? The easiest way is to soak your orchid in a bowl of water once every week or two --- when the moss dries out. Unlike most houseplants, you don’t need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot.
You can also water your orchid like a traditional houseplant – just apply a splash of water to the moss once every seven to 10 days. If the moss feels moist, you can wait a few days and check again before watering.
Happily, orchids are surprisingly resilient when it comes to drying out when they’re not in bloom. If you’re on vacation or get busy, you can often get by three or maybe even four weeks, depending on the conditions, without your orchid dying. One sign to watch for that your orchids are really thirsty is when the leaves start to look crinkled.
It’s tough to give specific timing instructions for how often to water because your orchids will drink more or less water depending on different conditions, including:
-- Light: The brighter the light, the more water they often want
-- Temperature: The warmer it is, the more water they typically need
-- Humidity: The drier the air, the more water they usually need
-- Time of year: Many orchids rest in winter, so they don’t use as much water as they do in spring and summer
Watering Orchids in Pots without Drainage Holes
Note: If your orchid is in a cache pot (a pot without a drainage hole to let excess water to escape), we recommend pulling the orchid's growing pot out of the decorative cache pot first. Water it in the sink, then place it back in the decorative pot after water has stopped dripping from the moss.
If you don't remove your orchid from the cache pot, be sure never to add so much water that it collects and the moss sits in a pool of moisture at the bottom of the pot.
I'm a horticulture expert with a wealth of knowledge on plant care, particularly when it comes to orchids. My expertise is grounded in years of hands-on experience, formal education in horticulture, and a genuine passion for cultivating and understanding various plant species.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article by Justin Hanco*ck on watering orchids:
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Frequency of Watering:
- The article emphasizes the importance of not overwatering orchids, particularly phalaenopsis (moth), dendrobium, and oncidium varieties. Unlike many houseplants, orchids don't require consistently moist conditions. Instead, they should be watered when the moss around their roots has dried out.
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Soaking Method:
- The recommended method for watering orchids is to soak them in a bowl of water once every week or two, allowing the moss to dry out between waterings. This prevents the risk of root rot, a common issue when orchids are kept too moist.
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Alternative Watering Method:
- Another suggested approach is to water orchids like traditional houseplants, applying a splash of water to the moss every seven to 10 days. It's essential to check the moisture level by feeling the moss; if it's still moist, wait a few days before watering again.
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Resilience of Orchids:
- Orchids are noted for their resilience, especially when they're not in bloom. Even if neglected for a few weeks, they can often survive without harm. Crinkled leaves serve as an indicator that the orchid is thirsty and needs watering.
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Factors Affecting Watering Frequency:
- The article highlights various factors influencing the frequency of orchid watering:
- Light: Orchids in brighter light conditions tend to require more water.
- Temperature: Warmer conditions increase water needs.
- Humidity: Lower humidity levels typically necessitate more frequent watering.
- Time of year: Orchids may rest in winter, requiring less water compared to spring and summer.
- The article highlights various factors influencing the frequency of orchid watering:
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Watering Orchids in Pots without Drainage Holes:
- If an orchid is planted in a pot without drainage holes (cache pot), it is crucial to remove the orchid's growing pot before watering. This allows excess water to escape and prevents the moss from sitting in a pool of moisture at the pot's bottom, minimizing the risk of root problems.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive guidance on watering orchids, taking into account the specific needs of different orchid varieties and environmental factors that influence their water requirements.
