A Beginner’s Guide On How To Water Orchids

Most people think that plants need as much water as they can to grow. This a common mistake especially among orchid enthusiasts. It is vital be be aware of how to water orchids. They require an adequate amount of moisture in order to bloom, together with the right amount of light, fertilizer and care.

Improper watering is one reason why many beginning horticulturists find themselves with dried up, decomposing or dying orchids.
When people notice that the potting soil looks dry, they assume the orchid needs to be watered. This does not actually apply most of the time, especially for orchids. The potting medium you use can also be a factor on your plant’s water needs. The bark has a tendency to dry out faster than sphagnum moss.

Bear in mind that even if the pot’s surface is dry, the root may remain moist. To check, poke your finger an inch into the pot. If it feels moist to touch, do not add additional water. The potting medium should be damp and not soggy. It should not be allowed to become extremely dry as well.

Orchids are found in tropical areas of the globe, and due to this, they receive a lot of rain. The ideal humidity level for most orchid plants is 80%, so it is best to find a way to humidify your orchids by providing them a constant supply of water.

Here are some other tips to water your orchids:

• It is best to water your orchid once a week during the winter, or once every other week.
• Water twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry.
• Always water early in the day so that your orchids dry out by night time. The proper frequency of watering will depend on the climatic conditions where you live.
• When growing an orchid plant in your home, you should let the potting bark dry out completely before watering them.
• You can pour some pebbles on a deep saucer, then place your orchid pot on top of the pebbles with water. You should make sure the water never touches the orchid pot.
• Creating a good routine for watering and fertilizing your orchid is an excellent way to guarantee that you will be able to enjoy these plants for a long time.
• Check the mineral content of the water you are using. Sometimes tap water can have high levels of salt, which is bad for plants.
• Since tap water has often been chemically treated, generally with chlorine, it should be used with caution.
• As an alternative, you can collect and use rain water.

You do not want your plants to succumb to improper care -- that is why it is crucial for you to know how to water orchids.

By: Diane Louise Y. Villanueva

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Diane Villanueva is an orchid expert. For more information on how to properly water orchids,visit www.orchidstoresecrets.com/.