How to Water Orchids -The Facts!
Orchids are some of the most beautiful and popular house plants that can be fairly easily cultivated with a little knowledge. Orchids are no different to any other plant, in that they need a suitable environment in order to healthily thrive. The ideal environment is dependent on the species or hybrid that you are considering; as orchids originate from very many diverse regions of the world ranging from the hot, humid equatorial climates to the cool temperate climates, as well as high altitude varieties that propagate in the cool, damp climates of the Andes Mountains in South America or the Himalayas in Central and South East Asia.
It is therefore, imperative that you undertake a fair amount of research on your chosen variety of orchid if you are to successfully grow and maintain it in perfect health. One of the most important variables that you need to consider is the correct method of how to water orchids of your chosen variety.
There two main types of orchids the Terrestrial and the Epiphytic orchid, the major difference between them is that the Terrestrial has an underground root system, whilst the Epiphyte has an aerial root system that attaches itself to the branches and trunks of trees, poles or rocks. Epiphytes are commonly grown within the home environment and their root system has evolved into a highly specialised organ that is so radically different to any other normal plants roots. It is extremely difficult to generalise when it comes to orchids as they belong to the largest and most diverse group of plants ever documented. Although, I have split the varieties into two main types, each type consists of tens of thousands of different species and hybrids; I am therefore, discussing how to water orchids in general terms for Epiphytic orchids. It is important that you bear in mind, that it is best practice to follow the general guidelines for your own species of orchid when it comes to specific watering procedures.
The roots of an epiphytic orchid are surrounded by a white colored membrane known as velamin, this wafer thin membrane is highly absorbent and allows the plant to become saturated at a very rapid rate. When the plant is engorged with water, the membrane turns a pale green color. The velamin acts as an accurate indicator as to the watering needs of your plant. It is better to let the root system dry out, before watering and then apply a liberal amount of water keeping an eye on the color of the velamin surrounding the root system. Never over water your plant or the roots will rot and your plant will eventually wilt and die.
Terrestrial orchids tend to require more water compared to their epiphytic relatives. As previously stated the prime killer of epiphytic orchids is overwatering, the exact opposite is true of terrestrials, they generally like a lot of water and it is necessary to keep them moist at all times. It is good practice to place the orchids pot on a layer of pebbles placed in a watering tray, but be careful and never let the roots of your plant become immersed in the water. Water your orchid by gently pouring over the pebbles.
The type of potting medium also plays a major role in the amount of water needed by your plant. Most commercial orchid potting mediums are especially made for the individual requirements of your plant, generally they are highly absorbent and may range from such mediums as sphagnum moss to bark mixed with charcoal and beads. These mediums have excellent water retention qualities and will stay moist for long periods. If the medium feels damp below the surface, there is no need to water.
In the summer months when evaporation is high it may be necessary to water your plant once every four or five days, during winter the potting medium will remain moist for longer periods and the plant will generally only require watering every ten days or so, but it is always wise to check the moisture content of the medium, and water as necessary.
If you adhere to correct methods on how to water orchids specifically relating to your species, you will most certainly grow amazingly healthy, vibrant plants, which will reward you with the most beautiful delicate blooms, throughout the entire flowering season.
It is therefore, imperative that you undertake a fair amount of research on your chosen variety of orchid if you are to successfully grow and maintain it in perfect health. One of the most important variables that you need to consider is the correct method of how to water orchids of your chosen variety.
There two main types of orchids the Terrestrial and the Epiphytic orchid, the major difference between them is that the Terrestrial has an underground root system, whilst the Epiphyte has an aerial root system that attaches itself to the branches and trunks of trees, poles or rocks. Epiphytes are commonly grown within the home environment and their root system has evolved into a highly specialised organ that is so radically different to any other normal plants roots. It is extremely difficult to generalise when it comes to orchids as they belong to the largest and most diverse group of plants ever documented. Although, I have split the varieties into two main types, each type consists of tens of thousands of different species and hybrids; I am therefore, discussing how to water orchids in general terms for Epiphytic orchids. It is important that you bear in mind, that it is best practice to follow the general guidelines for your own species of orchid when it comes to specific watering procedures.
The roots of an epiphytic orchid are surrounded by a white colored membrane known as velamin, this wafer thin membrane is highly absorbent and allows the plant to become saturated at a very rapid rate. When the plant is engorged with water, the membrane turns a pale green color. The velamin acts as an accurate indicator as to the watering needs of your plant. It is better to let the root system dry out, before watering and then apply a liberal amount of water keeping an eye on the color of the velamin surrounding the root system. Never over water your plant or the roots will rot and your plant will eventually wilt and die.
Terrestrial orchids tend to require more water compared to their epiphytic relatives. As previously stated the prime killer of epiphytic orchids is overwatering, the exact opposite is true of terrestrials, they generally like a lot of water and it is necessary to keep them moist at all times. It is good practice to place the orchids pot on a layer of pebbles placed in a watering tray, but be careful and never let the roots of your plant become immersed in the water. Water your orchid by gently pouring over the pebbles.
The type of potting medium also plays a major role in the amount of water needed by your plant. Most commercial orchid potting mediums are especially made for the individual requirements of your plant, generally they are highly absorbent and may range from such mediums as sphagnum moss to bark mixed with charcoal and beads. These mediums have excellent water retention qualities and will stay moist for long periods. If the medium feels damp below the surface, there is no need to water.
In the summer months when evaporation is high it may be necessary to water your plant once every four or five days, during winter the potting medium will remain moist for longer periods and the plant will generally only require watering every ten days or so, but it is always wise to check the moisture content of the medium, and water as necessary.
If you adhere to correct methods on how to water orchids specifically relating to your species, you will most certainly grow amazingly healthy, vibrant plants, which will reward you with the most beautiful delicate blooms, throughout the entire flowering season.
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