5 Tips to Water Orchids the Right Way

One of the most commonly asked questions in orchid care is

, "What is the right way to water orchids?" It is also one of the most important questions to know the right answer to as an orchid owner. Because so many popular orchids are epiphytic, meaning they cling to trees or rocks, their root structure is exposed to more air and allows for more water drainage than a normal plant. Lets look at 5 simple ways that we can correctly meet the water requirements for our orchids.

1. The vessel matters. Make sure that your orchid is potted in an orchid specific pot that allows for good drainage and ventilation (it needs to have holes in it). This will allow the water to flow through the roots as opposed to pooling up on them. This also allows the air moisture to reach the roots.

The potting media is also important. Use potting barkor a potting bark mixtureor sphagnum moss. These two allow good ventilation and drainage, while providing good nutrients.

2. Humidity, or air moisture content, is very important to your orchid. Because so many popular orchids come from tropical, humid environments it is important to mimic this at home. It's best to find out what is ideal for your specific orchid, but most orchids will thrive with a humidity of around 70-75%. Some species will require more or less, but you should be able to find out that information from your local orchid store.

There are three ways to humidify your orchids. They are:

- Purchase a humidifier and set it to the desired humidity level. This will cost you a little extra money, but will be very precise.

- A quick and cheap way is to purchase an orchid humidity tray. You fill the bottom of the tray with water and place the orchid on the tray. It is not in the water, but in very close proximity to it, thus humidifying the air.

- If you have multiple orchids then you can place them close together. This increases the air moisture by proximity much like putting several people close together.

3. Over-watering your orchids is the number one way to kill your orchids. It is better to under-water than over-water in my book. Over-watering will cause mold and rot to form on the roots. Some orchid growers temporarily dehydrate their orchids to induce a life-saving growth impulse from the orchid.

4. My favorite way to check to see if I need to water is to stick the tip of a pencil in the potting media. Insert the pencil about an inch and leave it there for about ten minutes. If it is dry when you pull it out then water the plant. If not, then give it another day or two before repeating.

5. One of the best ways to avoid over-watering your orchid is to use a sprayer. You can use an automated one or just a hand held bottle with a sprayer attachment. Spray your orchid for 8 to 10 minutes once every 7 to 10 days. During growing season you can boost the interval to once every 4-7 days.

You will need to find the right watering cycle for your unique orchid, but remember that it is better to go conservative on this one. Getting this step right is really a great feeling and you will see great results in your orchid growing once you do!

5 Tips to Water Orchids the Right Way

By: Mark Alber

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