Detailed Guide to Watering Orchids Through the Twenty-Four Solar Terms
(1) Start of Spring, Rain Water: Spring orchids have already bloomed, so the soil should not be too dry; moisten it slightly along the edge of the pot; if the autumn pot has not dried down to the bottom, do not water. (2) Awakening of Insects: When the spring orchid pot has dried halfway (dry on top, firm below), you may moisten with water, but not too much; the same applies to autumn orchids. (3) Spring Equinox: The spring orchid has finished blooming and dislikes dampness; when the pot is half dry, you may moisten...
(2) Awakening of Insects: When the spring orchid pot has dried halfway (dry on top, firm below), you may moisten with water, but not too much; the same applies to autumn orchids.
(3) Spring Equinox: The spring orchid has finished blooming and dislikes dampness; when the pot is half dry, you may moisten with water.
(4) Pure Brightness, Grain Rain: Do not let the potting soil become too dry; moisten with water once every 5 days.
(5) Start of Summer: The orchids begin to be brought out of the room, and it is suitable to water them thoroughly once.
(6) Lesser Fullness: Do not let the potting soil become too dry or too wet; spots appearing on the leaves mean it is too wet, and blackened tips on new shoots mean it is too dry; water 1 liter every 4 days, so that the lower 2/3 of the potting soil from the bottom up is moistened, which is ideal.
(7) Grain in Ear: Beijing's air is dry, so even more care should be taken not to let the soil become too dry or too wet.
(8) Summer Solstice: Do not let the potting soil become too dry; if there is heavy rain, it can only be endured for one day; if there is continuous overcast rain, the pot must be moved to a ventilated place.
(9) Lesser Heat: At this time the air is too humid, and the concern is not dryness but excessive moisture; the pot should be placed in a ventilated place; if it is dry and hot with little rain, water 1 liter every 2 days; after one heavy rain or one heavy wetting, you must wait until 2/3 of the potting soil has dried, otherwise it should not be watered again.
(10) Greater Heat: The potting soil easily dries all the way through, so be careful that only one heavy rain or one heavy wetting per day is suitable.
(11) Start of Autumn: Orchids need water at this time; water 2 liters every 3 days, and they should be slightly sheltered from the wind.
(12) End of Heat: Water once every 5 days; except during continuous excessive rain, they may be left to receive rain and dew.
(13) White Dew: Autumn orchids need frequent watering even more than spring orchids, but after heavy wetting they must dry out heavily before they can be watered again.
(14) Autumn Equinox: If the autumn orchid has already produced flowers, water slightly less; if it has not produced flowers, water slightly more.
(15) Cold Dew: Autumn orchids should be watered thoroughly, while spring orchids should not be watered thoroughly, but only moistened.
(16) Frost Descent: Orchids should be brought indoors; the watering time should be changed to midday, and after watering they must be placed in the midday sun for 1-2 hours.
(17) Start of Winter: Only moistening with water is suitable, about half a liter every 5 days.
(18) Lesser Snow: The flower room should not be warm, and it should not be too humid; if it is too damp, it can cause root rot and spotted leaves, leading to withering; if the potting soil has not dried down to the bottom, only slightly moisten the surface of the soil.
(19) Greater Snow: Autumn orchids do not need water; spring orchids should be slightly moistened.
(20) Winter Solstice: Absolutely do not irrigate.
(21) Lesser Cold: By all means avoid watering.
(22) Greater Cold: Autumn orchids still do not need water; spring orchids may be slightly moistened.