How To Water Orchids
Over watering is the cause of most orchid deaths. Orchids have different watering needs than most houseplants. As you water orchids, if you are in doubt, the rule is do not water. Orchids originate from humid, tropical environments, but if you water them too often, it will kill the plant. Even though they love water, they like a watering that dries out in between. They like air to their roots and good drainage.
This is probably because of how they are used to growing in tropical environments with the frequent rains. Watering only on sunny days, or watering in the early part of the day, at least before noon, is a good idea. This gives the plant a chance to dry out before the next watering.
When you water orchids, use water that is room temperature or lukewarm. It should be comfortable to the touch, not too cold or too hot. Water that is 10 degrees cooler or hotter than room temperature can be harmful to the cells of any plant, not just orchids. Wipe off any water that is splashed on the leaves or new growth. It can cause crown rot or kill new growth. Use a cotton ball or dry tissue to dry. Also, hard water will leave spots on your plant. You can clean them off with distilled water.
When you water orchids, it is best to use rainwater. It is slightly acidic with a Ph of 6.4 to 6.8. Rainwater also has nourishment that orchids like. If you do live in a highly polluted city, this would be an exception in using rainwater. Tap water usually has too much chlorine for your orchid. Never use soft water.
How often you water your orchid will be dependent on its climate. Generally, watering once weekly in the winter and two times weekly when the weather is warmer and drier works. The size of your container also determines watering. A 6 inch pot requires watering every 7 days, and a 4 inch pot, every 5 or 6 days, generally. When you water orchids, remember that air conditioning and heating will dry out the plant faster.
Again, understand the individual needs of you orchid will determine exact watering requirements. If you insert your finger, or a pencil, into one inch of the plant’s soil, and it is moist, you do not need to water. Soil should never be soggy, but damp is ok. It should never be extremely dry either. Bark materials in the potting will dry out faster. Sphagnum moss will not dry out as fast.
Orchids love fresh air, but that means the air circulation will dry them out faster. Instead of eliminating the fresh air, just water more frequently. When you water orchids, also remember most all varieties never should sit in standing water. The root systems always need to be well drained and aerated.
A good rule is to water from the top of the plant, just until the excess drains through the bottom drainage holds. Or, you can immerse the pot in water, until only the top ½ of the rim is dry. Let the pot absorb water for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and drain excess. This is what professional orchid growers do.
