Common Issues With Orchid Watering

Orchids are an extremely popular flower for both the amateur and enthusiast gardener due to their magnificent blooms, the huge number of species and colors to choose from and the size that some can grow to. Understanding the art of orchid watering and implementing it correctly is of paramount importance to the life of your precious flower. A crucial part of your new orchid’s environment is to know how much is the ‚”right amount” of water that it needs. First, it is recommended to have a thorough general knowledge of orchids in general before purchasing one and, once you have decided on the species that you like, to then hone in on the specific needs your chosen variety requires.

The Humidity Level

As the natural environment of orchids is of a tropical and lush nature, it is accustomed to large rainfalls and very high humidity levels. Most orchids actually prefer a humidity level of 80%. Obviously this is far more than the average person can bear so to keep yourself and your orchid happy, a mutually beneficial solution is required. Luckily, there is a simple approach to reach this goal – a constant supply of water to your orchid. By just placing pebbles in a saucer, then placing the orchid pot on the pebbles and finally watering those pebbles will, in effect, create a low-cost artificial, high-humidity climate. As you can see it is very simple but there is one thing you will need to remember – never allow the water to actually touch the orchid pot. If the water does touch the pot, moisture will be drawn up into the potting medium and result in too much water absorption and rotting of the root system itself.

The Dangers of Over-Watering

Over-watering is probably the biggest but easiest mistake to commit for anyone who owns an orchid, especially if the artificial humidity method described above is not put into place. Most people believe that if the potting medium looks dry then the plant has to be watered. This is not true – most of all for an orchid. Too much water will actually harm an orchid and if continued, it will eventually cause your orchid to die. The potting bark actually absorbs and ‚”holds” water and is, in actual fact, not dry at all. The recommended watering cycle is simply once every one or two weeks – and even then, only a little. There are some species of orchid that grow on the trunks of trees or on rocks in their normal habitat, and it’s not uncommon at all for the roots to completely dry out before the next rainfall arrives.

Orchids Love Fertilizer

All plants enjoy the benefits of fertilizer, especially the orchid. But in the same vein as watering – it needs to be done sparingly. The recommended fertilizing cycle is done in conjunction with the watering cycle. When the orchid is not being watered it should be being fertilized – every one or two weeks. Although orchids can be somewhat temperamental at times, you can enjoy the benefits of a superb orchid plant by just sticking to a few simple guidelines – a good watering and fertilizing cycle, the right amount of potting bark and the right amount of sunlight and shade.

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Guidelines for Watering Orchids