Orchids are capricious beauties: Most species need high humidity but cannot tolerate “wet feet”. Watering must be done carefully so that the sensitive roots are not damaged and the plant ultimately dies. However, how often you should water orchids depends on so many different factors that general statements cannot be made.
How often should you water orchids?
The frequency of watering orchids depends on various factors such as the type of orchid, the substrate used, the location, temperature and humidity. As a guideline, it is recommended to water once or twice a week when the substrate is dry.
Don’t water orchids too often
Many orchids should neither be too dry nor too moist, while others should remain dry occasionally. The latter group includes the popular Phalaenopsis, which you only water when the substrate feels dry. In general - the instructions apply to many types of orchids, but not all - you should water the flowering plants about once or twice a week. However, how often you actually have to water depends on these conditions, among others:
- Orchid type
- substrate used / use of substrate at all
- Location (full sun or partial shade, window or terrarium, bathroom or living room)
- Ambient temperature and season (heating air in winter!)
- Humidity (orchids above a heater need more water)
How to know that your orchids need water
Don't wait until your orchids have drooped leaves and flowers before watering. At this point, the roots may already be damaged by the ongoing drought. Therefore, check regularly with your fingers whether the substrate in the pot still feels moist or dry. If it is dry at a depth of about two centimeters, water the orchid thoroughly. The substrate should be moistened deeply and right down to the bottom of the pot, with excess water draining off. Therefore, wait a few minutes after watering and pour away any water that has run through from the planter. If you keep the humidity high, for example by spraying the orchids regularly or always having a bowl of water on the heater, you will need to water the plants much less often. Orchids are able to absorb and process liquid from the environment through their leaves.
The most important rules for watering orchids
Most windowsill orchids probably receive far too much water rather than dying from a lack of moisture. Therefore, water the flowers as sparingly as possible or less often, but more vigorously. However, frequent watering in small sips is not recommended, as this method means that too little water reaches the roots further down. Also pay attention to:
- do not use cold tap water
- Descale and warm tap water before watering
- collect and use rainwater if possible
- alternatively mix decalcified tap water and distilled water
- do not use mineral or sparkling water for watering
Tip
Orchids can be easily watered by putting three to four fiberglass wicks (€7.00 on Amazon) into the pot, guiding them in a bundle through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and letting them hang into a container with water underneath. Irrigation is carried out by capillary forces and is well suited, among other things, for the holiday season.
