How to Water Orchids for Long-Lasting Flowers

Watering orchids properly is crucial for their health and vitality. Unlike typical houseplants, orchids have unique water requirements due to their epiphytic nature—many grow on other plants, not in soil, in their natural habitats.

Understanding Orchid Water Needs

The key to successful orchid care lies in understanding their natural environment. Epiphytic orchids, which grow on trees in the wild, and terrestrial orchids, which grow in the ground, have different water needs.

Epiphytic Orchids: These orchids generally require less water because they are adapted to absorb moisture from the air in their natural humid environments. They should be allowed to dry out between waterings.

Terrestrial Orchids: These grow in soil and tend to require more consistent moisture. They should not be allowed to dry out completely.

Watering Orchids Based on Their Potting Medium

Their potting medium plays a significant role in determining the appropriate watering technique and frequency.

Sphagnum Moss: Orchids potted in sphagnum moss retain water well because of the moss’s ability to hold moisture. To water these orchids, run tepid water through the pot until it drains freely from the bottom. This ensures the moss is thoroughly moistened without becoming waterlogged.

Bark Mix: Bark tends to repel water when dry, making initial watering efforts challenging. For orchids in bark, immerse the pot in a basin of water just below the lip for about 10 minutes. This allows the bark to absorb water evenly and prevents dry pockets from forming. Ensure the orchid is allowed to drain completely after soaking to prevent root rot.

Watering Frequency

The watering frequency will vary based on the type of orchid, the climate, and the time of year:

• In warmer weather: Orchids may need to be watered more frequently due to increased evaporation.
• In cooler weather: Reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.

A good rule of thumb is to water your orchid every 4 to 10 days, but this is just a guideline. You should adjust based on the conditions in your home and the specific needs of your orchid.

Tips for Judging When to Water

• Weight Method: After watering, feel the weight of the pot. A heavier pot indicates it is still moist; a lighter pot suggests it needs water.
• Pencil Test: Insert a pencil into the potting mix. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water.

How to Water Orchids

Watering orchids is not just about frequency; the method of watering is also vital to prevent disease and ensure healthy growth:

Use the Right Water: Orchids are sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water. If possible, use rainwater or distilled water at room temperature.

Water in the Morning: This gives the orchid ample time to dry before the cooler, darker evening. Damp conditions at night can lead to fungal infections.

Avoid Wetting the Leaves: Water directly into the potting medium, not over the leaves. If water gets on the leaves, especially in the crown (where leaves emerge from the base), it can cause rot.

Thorough Soaking: Water should be poured through the potting medium until it runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Then, continue for a few minutes to completely saturate the potting mix. This ensures that the roots are thoroughly moistened, but it also flushes salts that naturally accumulate.

Let it Drain: Never let your orchid sit in water. Ensure that your orchid’s container has good drainage to allow excess water to escape, mimicking the quick-drying environment of their natural habitat.

Signs of Improper Watering

Improper watering is one of the most common issues faced by orchid owners. Both overwatering and underwatering can lead to a range of health problems for orchids.

Overwatering

Overwatering is particularly dangerous because it can lead to root rot, which is often fatal if not addressed promptly.

• Soft, Mushy Roots: Healthy orchid roots are typically firm and a vibrant green or white. If the roots are brown, black, and feel mushy, it’s a sign they are rotting from excess moisture.
• Yellowing Leaves: While a single yellow leaf might simply indicate natural aging, multiple yellowing leaves, especially at the base, can suggest overwatering.
• Wilting: Despite the soil being wet, overwatered orchids may wilt because the damaged roots cannot absorb water and nutrients effectively.
• Foul Smell: An unpleasant odor coming from the potting medium is a strong indicator of fungal or bacterial growth, which is common in overly damp conditions.

Underwatering

Underwatering can be just as detrimental, although it is generally easier to remedy than overwatering.

• Pleated Leaves: In orchids, particularly those with thinner leaves like Oncidiums, a lack of water can lead to pleated or accordion-like leaves.
• Dry and Brittle Roots: Healthy roots should be pliable. Dry, brittle roots that easily snap or crumble indicate insufficient watering.
• Shriveled Leaves: If the leaves appear wrinkled or shriveled, it’s often because the orchid isn’t getting enough water to maintain its turgidity.
• Slow Growth or No Blooming: Insufficient water can stunt an orchid’s growth and prevent it from blooming. If your orchid isn’t growing or producing new flowers during its typical season, consider whether it’s getting enough water.

Additional Considerations

• Potting Medium: The condition of the potting medium can also indicate watering issues. Overwatered media will often be soggy and may have mold or algae growth on the surface, while underwatered media will feel bone dry and may pull away from the edges of the pot.
• Leaf Texture and Appearance: Besides yellowing and shriveling, the texture of the leaves can also indicate watering problems. Overwatered leaves might become soft and limp, while underwatered leaves may feel stiff and dry.

Adjusting Watering for Flowering

When orchids flower, their water needs can change slightly. Flowering typically consumes more energy and water, so slightly increasing the watering frequency can help support robust blooms. However, continue to ensure good drainage to prevent root issues.

Long-term Orchid Care

Beyond just watering, long-term orchid care involves regular fertilization with a balanced orchid fertilizer, repotting every few years, and managing light and temperature to mimic the orchid’s natural conditions as closely as possible. Monitoring your orchid’s response to watering and adjusting your care regimen accordingly is key to keeping your orchid healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you water orchids with ice cubes?

Watering orchids with ice cubes has become a popular recommendation to provide measured amounts of water without the risk of overwatering. However, most orchid experts advise against this method. Orchids are tropical plants and do not naturally encounter cold water in their environment. The cold can shock the roots and may lead to root damage over time. It’s better to use room temperature water to mimic the natural conditions orchids thrive in.

Is it better to mist or water orchids?

It is better to water orchids than to mist them. While misting can help increase humidity around the orchid, which is beneficial, it does not provide enough moisture to the roots, which is essential for the plant’s health. Regular watering ensures that the roots absorb the necessary moisture to sustain the plant. Misting should be supplementary, especially in dry environments, to keep the ambient humidity around the orchid optimal.

Is it better to overwater or underwater orchids?

It is generally better to underwater orchids than to overwater them. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of orchid death because it leads to root rot and fungal infections. Orchids are adapted to withstand short periods of dryness, especially those with pseudobulbs which store water. Always check the potting medium’s moisture before watering; only water when it has dried out sufficiently according to the specific orchid’s needs.