How To Water An Orchid: 2 Effective Ways For Your Plants

The care of orchids is very special and takes a lot of effort. Because of the requirements of temperature, light, watering frequency, and temperature. But when you understand how to water to help flowers grow healthily, caring for orchids will be simpler.

In this article, we will provide you with the 2 most effective methods to help your plants bloom with the most beautiful flowers.

How To Water An Orchid Properly

To water orchids, you should use warm water for irrigation and do not use salt or distilled water for irrigation. Besides, let them drain for 15 minutes.

However, to help you understand better, we provide you with 2 methods and step-by-step instructions to help your plants grow healthily.

Method 1: Using your sink

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you follow along and complete the task easily:

Step 1: Preparing

You bring the orchid pot to the sink and turn the water to be warm. I see some people will use cold water or ice cubes to water the plants. I advise you not to use or follow suit to avoid causing temperature shock to the plants, disrupting the metabolism, and causing stress to the plants.

Step 2: Soak orchid plants

You place the orchid pot in the sink, making sure the pot is stable and does not tip over. Then, slowly let the warm water flow through the entire substrate. For plants that have lost a lot of water, you should soak them in water longer (about 10-15 minutes) so that the plant has time to recover.

Step 3: Drainage

After you’ve done this, gently turn the orchid upside down and shake gently to remove water remaining in the stem, preventing the plant from rotting. Besides, there will be plants that you cannot turn over, I often choose to blow all the water back at the top of the plants.

Method 2: Soak up Orchid

With this method, we provide you with three step-by-step instructions to help you water your orchids:

Step 1: Preparing

You find a new pot or a bucket larger than your orchid pot. Then you fill it with warm water up to the rim of the basin or bucket.

Step 2: Soak orchid

Gently place your orchid pot in a bucket of water. Make sure the potting medium is covered but not covered with leaves. In my experience, soaking time is at least 15-30 minutes. Also, if your plant is severely dehydrated, you must let it soak overnight.

Note: If your plant’s roots are shriveled, repeat this process weekly until the plant looks healthier.

Step 3: Drainage

Once done, lift the orchid out of the pot, and let the excess water drain out. In addition, the next time you want to do it again, make sure the plant is dry to avoid root rot. I usually stick my finger in the ground to test the soil moisture before watering.

Note: Over time, you should watch for signs of plant revival. For example, roots do not shrink and new leaves and flowers grow. If the above conditions are achieved, it proves that this method is effective. If not, you have to change to another way to care for the plant.

How Often Should I Water Orchids? 

In general, depending on the season of the year and the size of the pot determine the number of times to water the orchid. For winter, you should water once a week and twice a week in warm, dry weather. Moreover, the 6-inch pots are watered once a week, and the smaller pots (4 inches) are watered every 5 to 6 days.

Additionally, when your potting soil dries out, it’s time to water it. You can stick your finger in the ground or stick the pointed end of a pencil, chopstick, or wooden skewer deep into the pot to see if the soil is dry or moist. If you’re using water moss to grow your orchid, water it any time or the top 2 inches have dried out.

If you don’t water your orchid enough, the leaves may start to droop and turn yellow. This is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. To prevent this, it is important to water your orchid regularly, but be careful not to overwater it.

4 Common Mistakes When Watering Orchids 

When you water too much or lack water, your orchid will die. In addition, knowing when to water and how to do it are important and difficult factors for experts in orchid care. 

Below, I will give you the things to do when watering orchids, Here are the experiences I have gathered in the process of taking care of plants:

Water regularly

You should not soak orchids in water for too long, and before you do it, check to see if the plant’s curling lips are dry to avoid root rot. You should water every 7 to 10 days.

Water at night

When watering at this point, expose your orchid to unwanted bacteria and fungi. In addition, it also causes your plants to stagnate, leading to plant death. The best time for plants to receive and grow well is in the morning.

Watering from the top

If you pour water from the top down with strong flow force, it can damage the flowers and leaves, and worse, the plant can rot over time, and your orchid’s leaves may start to turn yellow. Instead, you should water the potting mix.

Watering with ice

Other gardeners often point to a pre-watering tip which is to place the stones in the potting mix. However, I have tried and found, the roots will be damaged if watered too much. For example, they will suffer from temperature shock, which destroys plant cells, leading to an inability to absorb nutrients.

Conclusion 

Caring for orchids requires attention to detail, especially when watering. The methods we provide above are practical methods to maintain the health of orchids. Remember to water with warm water, avoid soaking for too long, and stay away from common mistakes like watering in the morning or with ice so your plants can bloom and grow healthy.