Orchid Watering Needs and Seasonal Changes

Watering Orchids is very simple when managed with the rest of your orchid care

. I will list some basics.

Seasonal Changes

This is one of the most problematic transitions for the home horticulturist. From winter to spring to summer can be a challenge. The amounts of water need to increase for the plants health. The warmer the weather the more water needed. (The opposite happens in the fall to winter transition.) This is a gradual rise in the amount of watering. You may, during the winter months, cut back dramatically on water as the potting medium dry out rate is reduced. Or, if your home was very dry from winter heating of the home, your watering schedule might not need changing as much. How often to water orchids will still require you to use good judgment. The base guideline is: the orchid plants like their environment to mimic a rain forest, heavy rain in the afternoon and drying out the rest of the time.

Tap Water

For the most part tap water is just fine. If you are concerned or have had problems with other house plants from your local water source then check with the local water authority on the mineral and other solid content in the water supply. Some waters are naturally salty and this could cause a problem. The only recourse is to buy water to use if the local is not going to work. I see this as being an extreme circumstance.

Type of Pot

The material of the pot makes little difference to the plant itself. Plastic or terracotta will for the most part have the same effect. It is true the terracotta will absorb water into the clay itself but the watering effect is minimal. This could add to the humidity for the plant which is positive, but it is negligible to count on the hydrated pot to be a water source. The main purpose of the pot is to hold the plant in the potting medium. It is the potting medium that conveys the water to the orchid. The secondary purpose of the pot is to allow for drainage. While for most house plants the pot will act as a retainer of some moisture for the plant, this will not help orchids.

Root Rot

Root rot is the worst enemy of the orchid plant and this will happen when watering is done incorrectly. This is why a correct pot is necessary for the complete drainage of the orchid. Orchids roots will rot in a short time if left standing in water. This is why it is a certainty when watering your orchids to allow for the pot to drain off. If you do not believe this is happening, then consider re-potting and correcting the predicament.

Please remember all orchids are not alike in their watering needs. In Orchid Care Plus I listed eleven of the most popular orchid species and their growing requirements. Watering is just one of the basics in the care of your orchids. Fertilization and light are the other two prime needs for your orchid. Make sure all three are taken care of and then the result will be happy orchids.

Marty Lewis

Orchid Watering Needs and Seasonal Changes

By: Marty Lewis

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