Water Orchids
Water is essential to the survival of all living things. Finding the right watering routine for your orchids is the key to their health, appearance, and flower production.
How Much Water
New orchid growers can make the false assumption that orchids, native to tropical climates, need to be constantly very wet. This can lead to over watering your plant. If the roots remain saturated, they cannot breathe. Over time, this can rot the root and damage the plant. Before you water, touch the surface of the growing medium or compost. If the surface is moist, delay watering orchids.
Plastic pots retain water, so orchids in these containers will require less watering. Clay or terra cotta pots allow water to evaporate freely, so more frequent watering will be a necessity.
Newly repotted plants need more frequent watering. The growing medium is fresh and contains space for water to be held. When the medium ages, it settles into the spaces and retains less water. Plants that have been established in their pots will, therefore, require less watering.
When to Water
Different types of orchids have different water needs. The best way to determine the watering schedule for your plant is to read about the species you have selected. The internet, library or bookstore, garden center, and local chapter of the Orchid Society are all valuable resources. In general, orchids should be watered early in the day, when temperatures are rising. This allows time for water absorption and eliminates excess water around the roots when it becomes cooler.
Once you have identified the needs of your plant, you must learn to check for dryness. Lifting your plant after watering can give you an idea of the weight of a fully watered plant. Continue lifting at various points in your watering cycle to become accustomed to the changes in weight that indicate a dry plant. Another method is to press your finger about an inch into the growing medium. This will allow you to quickly assess whether the plant is dry. If it feels moist, test it again the next day. Do not water the orchid until the growing medium is dry to the touch.
How to Water
Orchids need to be watered thoroughly. When you have determined that your plant needs watering, first consider the quality of your water. Tap water may be fine, but hard water contains many minerals and can injure the roots. If you have hard water, consider using rain water or distilled water as an alternative. Water should be room temperature. Cold water can shock roots and damage foliage. Water your orchid liberally to saturate the medium and roots. Soaking the plant will also serve to flush out any accumulated minerals or salts from fertilizers or clay pots.
Mounted orchids require more frequent watering than potted varieties. Without the benefit of a growing medium to hold water, these plants will need frequent monitoring to ensure appropriate hydration.
Humidity
Tropical orchids prefer a humid environment. 40-70% humidity will ensure beautiful, long lasting flowers. You can increase the humidity in the growing environment by placing a bowl of water on the heating grates in fall and winter, by using a commercial humidifier, or simply by placing the pot in a saucer of water. A digital humidistat placed in the vicinity will help you to monitor and adjust levels.
