One of the most important steps in taking care of orchids is making sure that the plants do not get too much water. Not getting enough water can also be dangerous to the orchid’s well-being. Every so often, orchid plants are deprived of their needed hydration because some people are afraid to overwater their plants. Constant wetness of the soil will cause the plant roots to rot and having a rotten root will then result to loss of nourishment, which will lead to the death of the plant.
Below are the ways that guarantee that your orchids will receive a proper amount of water to keep it hydrated and alive.
When it comes to proper watering, the best question is when and how.
When do you need to water the Orchids?
The most common advice is that Orchids should be watered the day before the plant dries out. This method applies to most kind orchids, they only vary depending on their ability to store water.
The best time to water your orchid is during early morning, giving the leaves time to moisture and dry out during day time. Humidity also plays a big role in making sure that your orchids have enough water. If the room is more warm, watering from time to time is most likely needed. If the room has cool temperature, decrease the watering schedule.
How do you water the Orchids?
When watering an orchid, make sure that the orchid plant is not placed or sit in water that will cause rotten roots.
Below are ways to water an Orchid:
- Submerge the Orchid Plant
Most orchids live in container with soil and bark. Just sit the orchids in the pot. Use distilled or purified water to fill the container and make sure that to roots are submerged. After a few minutes, remove the orchid and drain them from the water for a few minutes. Once it is drained, put it back to its pot. It is best to submerged the orchid plant at least once a week.
- Pouring Method
If the orchids are placed in larger pot and are very difficult to remove, simple pouring of water is okay. Make sure that you do not pour water directly on the plant. Just pour it on the roots at the base of the plant. In cases where water are stuck in the crevices of the leaves, just wipe it with a towel to remove any excess moisture. Watering every week is good for the orchids.
- Icecubes
Using ice cubes as a way to water orchids will help improve absorption of moisture and prevent the roots to rot. It will also help avoid over-watering of plants. Put one ice cube twice a week on top of the pot under their leaves.
If you notice any excess water pooling, remove the excess water to prevent the plant from over-watering.
How to know if your Orchids are Over Watered or Under Watered
You will know that your orchids are over-watered when the roots are very mushy and looks dark. Leaves are getting limp with yellow spots and decayed. When it is under-watered, the roots and leaves are thin and dry.
You will know that it is time to water the orchids by looking at its roots. Green colored roots means that they are getting enough amount of water. Soggy roots with brownish color means that it has too much water. And grey colored roots mean that is does not have enough water.
Humidity plays an important role in creating the perfect condition for your orchids. The most common and easiest way in creating the ideal humidity is by misting. It simply spraying water on orchids regularly. Using distilled, purified or boiled water is more preferable.
Another important factor in keeping your orchids alive is by making sure that it has enough sunlight. Putting orchids in direct sunlight will burn the plant. It is ideal to put orchids in area with indirect sunlight. An indirect sunlight is filtered sunlight by passing through an object first before it hits the orchid.
Varieties of Orchids
- Phalaenopsis Orchids – They require short-term dry period in between watering schedule
- Dendrobium Orchids – when it is growing, it requires moist soil and when it is not, they need short-term dry period in between watering.
- Vanda Orchids – require regular watering. It is important to keep them moisturize at the same time make sure that it is not over-
- Cynbidium Orchids – requires even moisture. Make that the soil is not mushy or wet.
Pruning of Orchids
After the blooming period of Orchids, they will start fade and fall from their stems. Once this occurs, you will start to prune the orchids. First step is to look if the stem is healthy. Unhealthy stems are brown in color. Using a knife, trim the dead leaves, roots and even the stems. You know that plant is still alive when it is colored in green.
Orchids are extremely popular among the various kinds of plants. If you look for them, they are easy to find and you can buy them from florists or flower shops easily. They are resilient and also easy to take care. They can be used as decoration and help cheer up an environment, may it be at home, office, or in a home garden.
It best to always remember that Orchids should not be over-watered. Use proper water and do not use tap water. And always make sure the environment where you put the orchids in.
