In order to grow orchids successfully you must understand the importance of the water orchid. Most orchids are epiphytes, meaning that this means that they grow above ground. This is their natural habitat and there is thousands of species that can be found on the various tree trunks and limbs across the planet. In the wild they grow on the branches of trees and their main source of water is either rain or nutrient rich minerals from the air or the rain.
Potting Facts
When growing our orchids in water or in a medium orchid pot, the container or potting medium needs to be aerated or completely submerged under water. This type of potting medium will quickly become damp and this will not be good for our orchids. On the other hand, if the growing medium is matting closely to the roots of the orchid this will also not be good for our orchids. Either way, there needs to be a way for the water to drain away from the roots or the growing medium.
There are several potting mediums or mixes that we can use in order to grow orchids successfully in water. Many of us use a mix of peat moss, charcoal, gravel, plant bark, cork or perlite. As we all know bark is also bark, right? That is correct but it is also treated with special chemicals that take out the water holding abilities of bark as well as other organic material. This is why many people prefer growing orchids in perlite.
perlite is becoming very popular and what’s great about it is you can actually buy it in most garden stores. So instead of having to get a ready made potting mix, you can just buy the perlite and add it to your own mix.
Each type of orchids will have their own preferences as far as the type of medium they will grow in. Do your research and find out which orchids will grow best in the type of water you have in your home. Then, treat the water you use to take care of your orchids.
The number one tip for successful orchid watering is water about once a week. If you water your orchids more frequently, such as 3 times a week, the roots will become mushy and the growing process will be handicapped. This also causes nutrients to be washed away.
Just as a “tted” eggshell can spoil gelatin, over watering kills off key nutrients that the plants need. Orchids are very sensitive to too much water. saturating the roots with water will kill the orchid. Bark can also leave anrea gas, which is a chemical thatcerycuta needs to stay healthy.
There are other dangers associated with over watering as well. If the air gets very dry, the orchids can absorb too much water and rot. If the pots sit in a tray of water, the roots will rot as well. If the bad air sits on the pots, the roots will rot and the orchid will pretty much starve itself to death.
The division of orchids is a bit problematic in that the plants often do not flower for several years, so a lot of us grow orchids in pots until they either flower or die. Then it’s back to the basics and buying another plant.
Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes a healthy plant. It really doesn’t matter. As long as the soil is not too dry or too wet, depending on your situation, it should be fine. You can use artificial lighting as long as the light source is not the cause of the problem. Cool regular lighting is usually just fine.
The simple answer to how to avoid watering orchids is to water slowly. Thoroughly water once a month in the summer, but only if the potting medium is dry. Hand-watering is not always necessary if the problem is justhydrous dirt. If the orchid is potted in a mixture that allows the soil to dry out at the same time, you can just water once a month or so.
Orchids like humidity, but they do not like soggy roots. If the soil feels moist, but the leaves look dry there is not enough moisture for the roots and the plant will be unhealthy. If the roots feel dry but the leaves feel wet, then the roots are suffocated by the water and will not absorb anymore water. If the roots feel wet and the leaves feel cool, this is just too much moisture. Let the roots dry out. This usually takes about 2 weeks.
