Watering

When you first get your orchid, it´s always a good idea to wait for it to almost completely dry out before you water it the first time. Often times, they are over watered before you get them and as we know, over watering orchids can damage them (to the point of death). Orchids should never be sitting in water, so it is imperative that your pot has good drainage holes at the bottom.

How often should your orchid be watered?

There is no set schedule that can be applied to each orchid as they are all different and each home environment is different meaning that some will dry out quicker than others. The average is every 10 – 25 days (with some sources saying every 5 – 12 days).

As a general rule:
Phalaenopsis should be kept almost dry between watering.
Dendrobium and Cattleya should be kept evenly moist during active growth times, but allowed to dry out between watering when they are not.
Paphiopedilum should be kept evenly moist, but not wet, at all times.

How do you know when they need watering?

If you use clear pots, it will be easy to tell when your orchid is ready to be watered as the roots will turn a silvery green, rather than bright green. If you are not using a clear pot, then a lot of people suggest using a pencil or finger to push into the soil and if it comes out looking/feeling wet, then the orchid does not need watering.

 

How to water your (indoor) orchid

1.      Bring it to the sink
2.      Allow the water to run freely thought the pot. Use enough water so that it flows through the pot and out of the drainage hols.
3.      After a few minutes repeat. If you are using a diluted fertilizer then use this in the second watering.

The water quality used is important (whether spraying or watering). Tap water is usually chemically treated (often with chlorine), so should be used with caution. Rainwater is fantastic for orchids as it collects substances on the way down which enrich it and help to nourish the plant.

Do´s and Don’t’s

Do not let your orchid sit in water.
Do not use very cold water (they are from a temperate climate and if the water is too cold it shocks them).
Do not over water your orchid.
Do water early in the day so that they dry out by night time.
Do take care to avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. If this happens gently dry them with tissue or a cotton swab.

Please feel free to browse our website GardenLuxuries.com and see what we have to offer for Orchids and other plants.

 

Below are links to some YouTube videos we found helpful: