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Confused about how often to water orchids? You’re not alone – it is a common concern for owners of these stunning houseplants.
While orchid care comes easy to some growers, many find it challenging to meet the plants’ unique needs.
Learning how to water orchids is a big part of the learning curve. However, infrequent or excessive watering is the biggest cause of plant death.
Don’t forget that orchid fertilizing is an important part of plant care and should be done at the time of watering.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
How Often To Water Orchids
Orchids generally need water once a week during the winter and twice during warmer weather. However, this is impacted by the ambient temperature, humidity levels, and chosen growing medium. Different types of orchids also have different needs.
In general, orchids with pseudobulbs, thick fleshy roots, or big leaves need watering less often than those with thin leaves or roots.
Pseudobulb orchid species, such as the Oncidium orchid, Cattleya orchid, and Dendrobrium orchid, have an advantage in that their pseudobulbs retain moisture. They should be allowed to dry out a little before being watered.
Meanwhile, species without pseudobulbs, such as the Vanda orchid and Paphiopedilum orchid, may need watering more frequently.
The ever-popular Phalaenopsis orchid has both thick roots and big leaves that reduce watering frequency. However, as it has no water storage organs, it should not be allowed to completely dry out.
While most orchids operate on a cycle of wet and dry, some prefer almost constant moisture, such as the Cymbidium orchid and monkey orchid.
Never ignore your orchids’ watering needs for longer than 2-3 weeks.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Signs An Orchid Needs Watering
If the orchid potting mix has dried out, then it’s time to water. You can feel for moisture by pushing your finger down into the mix about one inch deep. Also look for visual clues, such as condensation on the inner plastic pot.
However, the best way to learn how often to water orchids is to gain an understanding of root health.
Orchid roots are surrounded by a thin membrane called velamen. It not only soaks up lots of water rapidly, but also adheres to rough surfaces and facilitates the uptake of other nutrients.
If the velamen is dry and silvery, the orchid is likely dry and in need of a drink. Newly watered velamen should be green or mottled.
Black or dark brown roots with signs of rot usually mean the plant has been overwatered.
Many orchids are epiphyte plants that attach themselves to trees and get their water from rain or water vapor in the air. They aren’t used to drowning in water, which can lead to rot and the death of the plant.
(Image credit: Alamy)
How The Growing Medium Affects Watering
The orchid potting medium will also impact how often you should water. If a medium retains water well – such as pine bark nuggets or sphagnum moss – the orchid needs water less often. If, however, a less water-retentive medium is used – such as charcoal or clay pellets – the plant will need more frequent irrigation.
That said, a standard medium for orchids should contain a mix of fir bark, fern fiber, perlite, gravel and sphagnum moss.
Mounted orchids need more frequent waterings than those grown in containers.
Should I Water My Orchid More When It Is Flowering?
Water your orchid more often when it is nearing bud break or when it is in bloom. There is a fine line here though. Keep an eye on the plant’s roots and the potting medium to monitor for moisture. If the medium is drying out go ahead and water the plant, otherwise leave it for a while.
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