Orchid deaths are most often caused by neglecting to properly hydrate them. When it comes to watering orchids, you don’t need to know any secret handshakes or lunar cycles, but you do need a different mindset. It also necessitates a rudimentary knowledge of orchids.
Roots of the Orchid
The vast majority of orchids grown in the house are epiphytes, which means they thrive in nature by clinging to trees or even rocks. Unlike conventional plant roots, these plants’ roots are extremely specialized and unique to them. Of all, when it comes to orchids, generalizations are difficult to make. For every rule, there are 100 exceptions. This is the world’s largest group of plants.
Epiphytic tropical orchids are the topic of the remainder of this essay. When it comes to individual watering habits, it’s better to follow the recommendations for each species.
Velamen is a thin membrane that surrounds the roots of orchids. Large amounts of water can be swiftly absorbed by this membrane, which sticks to rough surfaces and aids in mineral and salt exchange. It’s an amazing indicator of how much water your plant requires just like a pricey water meter. Velamen is white or silvery when dry, and green or mottled when freshly moistened (depending on the species).
The easiest way to water your orchid correctly is to learn how to read the roots. Most orchids prefer to be under-watered than over-watered, so keep this in mind. The roots of an orchid will rot if they are consistently damp, and the plant will die.
Mistakes in Watering
Isn’t it true that orchids are tropical plants? So they’re drawn to water, don’t they?
Somewhat. Though tropical plants, several well-known orchids can only be found in the shade of trees. As a result of their natural environment, many species are able to adapt to a dry period in which no rain falls for weeks on end.
Even in a tropical jungle with the correct airflow, humidity, and light levels, it is improbable that you will be able to successfully cultivate orchids in your home. To that end, the following are the most typical orchid watering mistakes:
Too much watering:
The water in which orchids grow should never be stagnant. The plant needs to dry out entirely between waterings in many circumstances.
Watering in the evening:
Always water your orchids in the morning, no matter what sort of plant you have. Always. Phaenopsis and Cattleyas benefit from nighttime irrigation since the stagnant water helps them to flourish. Bacterial and fungal infections can thrive in this environment. Toward the end of the day, orchid plants should be completely dry.
Ignoring the plant’s cues:
Orchids are excellent at communicating their needs to their caretakers. Pseudobulbs should be big and plump during the growing season, and thick, fleshy leaves should be held off the potting material. During the winter, some deciduous orchids may die. The situation is all right. Get to know your crops.
Optimal Procedures
Accordingly, it is impossible to generalize. It’s usually a good idea to abide by the guidelines of your individual plant’s care. However, if you follow a few best practices, your chances of success will skyrocket.
Drain the excess water. Do water as if you’re serious about it. Different growers have different rules, however many professional growers put on their sprinklers for eight minutes or more.. Some home gardeners have been known to submerge their plants, pots and all, in a sink or pail of water. As long as vandas are in the water, they can last a long period before needing to be harvested. The goal is to totally soaked the velamen. It’s important to water the plants in a way that leaves only a few tiny drops on the roots. This signifies that the plant has absorbed all of its water.
Take a closer look at your water supply. More than a century has passed since the serious growers of orchids believed that rainfall alone was the sole acceptable source of water for them. Most people today drink tap water, which is fine. However, treated water may have more salt and calcium than untreated water. If you notice deposits on your plants, it’s time to find a new supply of water.
When in doubt, don’t do anything at all, as the saying goes. If you’re unsure whether or not to water your orchid, wait. For example, paphiopedilum and phragmipedium will not be able to benefit from this method. Watering should have taken place at least a few hours ago. However, most epiphytic orchids in pots prefer a dry environment than one that is constantly wet.
Factors Affecting the Watering Process
What if you could get a little water fairy to hover over your plants and tell you when and how much to water? Sorry to disappoint, but there isn’t. However, this is one of the perks of cultivating orchids. A good sense of equilibrium and intuition are key—as is having a lot of patience. When planning a watering schedule, take into account the following factors:
Media for planting:
The amount of water retained by various potting media varies. In terms of water retention, pine bark nuggets are superior to charcoal or clay pellets. The less water you use, the better the water retention. Watering requirements for mounted plants will be higher than for unmounted plants.
Species:
Make sure you’re knowledgeable about the species you’re caring for and that you’re adhering to all of the care guidelines.
1 It can be difficult to maintain a varied collection of orchids without overwatering or underwatering at least some of your plants, as different orchids have varying watering needs. Just one or two of your favorites is the ideal starting point.
Temperature: In general, the more water that is needed, the hotter it is.
Humidity:
In general, the less watering is required the higher the relative humidity in the air. The type of potting material you choose has a significant impact on humidity. To improve the humidity in their pots, many amateur gardeners use a tray of stones filled with water.
Airflow:
Be unafraid of a little movement in the air. Orchids like a well-ventilated environment, both for their roots and their leaves. As a result, you’ll require more watering as a result of the increased airflow.
