Orchids are beautiful and delicate plants that require careful care to thrive for many years. A key aspect of their cultivation is the correct watering adapted to the type of substrate. In this article, we will focus on the principles of proper watering of orchids, how to adapt a particular method of watering to different types of substrate, and how to recognize the signs of overwatering the plant. Learn how to properly care for your orchid.
Rules for watering orchids
Proper watering of orchids requires knowledge of their specific needs. Orchids are epiphyteswhich means that in nature they grow on trees. These plants are equipped with aerial roots that do not draw water from the soil, but from the airand that is why they spread to the sides in such large numbers. For this reason, orchids require a very well-drained substratewhich copies their natural growth conditions as much as possible and does not retain excess water. When watering orchids, follow these basic rules:
- frequency of watering
In winter, water orchids once a week, in warm and dry months twice a week. In the cold months, put 3-4 ice cubes in the orchid potwhich gradually dissolve and provide the plant with constant access to water. The presence of ice in the pot will gently lower the temperature around the roots, which can further stimulate the orchid to bloom.
- avoiding overflow
Remember that orchids do not tolerate stagnation of water in the roots. If they are wet for too long, they rot very easily. The water should therefore be able to drain freely from the flower pot.
- time of day
Orchids are best watered in the morningso that the leaves and roots have time to dry before dark. This action will significantly reduce the risk of fungal diseases of the plant.
- type of water
It is best to use soft water or rainwater for watering orchids. You can also use standing tap water as long as it is not too hard. If lime deposits appear on the roots, consider using rainwater or boiled water at room temperature.
How to water orchids depending on the substrate?
Orchids require a well-drained substrate. Shredded bark, peat moss, gravel, charcoal, clay pellets, or mixtures of these materials work well for this purpose. Each substrate for orchids requires a different approach to watering.
Bark and wood shavings
The bark initially repels water. Therefore, in her case, it is best to submerge the entire flowerpot in water for about 10 minutes, so that the material is well soaked. After removing, let the water drain completely from the flower pot. The frequency of watering orchids in bark is 4 to 10 days depending on the drying speed of the material.
Peat moss
Peat moss retains water longer than bark, so orchids in this substrate require less frequent watering. If you have soft water, you can do this by running a stream of water through the substrate directly under the tap, avoiding wetting the crown of the plant. Moss humidity should be moderate – it is good if the substrate is permanently moist, but not too wet.
Gravel, charcoal and clay pellets
These materials do not retain water, so orchids growing in them require more frequent watering. Water the plant abundantly under the tap and then let the pot thoroughly drain the excess water. With this type of material, you must regularly check the condition of the plant and the roots, because the water in this type of substrate dries up very quickly.
How do you know if an orchid is overwatered?
Wetting orchids is one of the most common mistakes when growing them at home. It can lead to serious plant health problems, such as root rot or fungal diseases. Symptoms of waterlogging are relatively characteristic and easily recognizable:
Brown and soft roots
Healthy orchid roots are hard and white-green. Their structure then enables them to efficiently receive water from the surroundings. If the roots become soft and start to emit an unpleasant smell, it means that the orchid is soaked.
Yellowing and falling leaves
Yellowing of leaves can be related to their natural aging. However, we are talking about individual leaves whose color change is spread over time. If several leaves turn yellow at once, the plant has been wateredbecause an excess of water in the substrate often causes the leaves to lose strength and change color.
Mold in the flowerpot
The presence of mold on the substrate means that the orchid was watered a long time ago. Molds occur when the water in the pot stands too long and the air flow in the substrate is limited. In this case, the plant is at risk of fungal infection.
Slower plant growth
A soaked orchid does not have to form new leaves and flowers for a long time. All this because the ability of the roots to receive water and nutrients has significantly decreased due to their poor condition.
Dissolve two tablespoons in water. The orchid will surprise you again with a cascade of flowers
