How to water Cymbidium goeringii? A detailed guide to the correct watering method
I. The role of water for Cymbidium goeringii
1. Water is an important component of it; its water content is above 80 percent. If the water decreases, its growth will be affected. If it loses water, its protoplasm will be damaged, and it will die.
2. Water has many roles, for example it can promote its metabolism and maintain cell fullness; in addition, hydrolysis reactions and so on also require water. Moreover, nutrients in the soil must first dissolve in water before they can be absorbed by the roots, and they also need to be transported through water.
3. Water can keep its form fixed. If there is enough water, it will grow upright, and only then can it exchange light and gas; conversely, lack of water makes it prone to withering. Water can also regulate its body temperature; it can keep it warm and also release heat.
II. Pathways of water supply
The first is absorbing water through the roots, then using the vascular tissue to transport water throughout the whole flower. The second is absorbing water vapor from the air through the leaves to provide the water needed for its metabolism.
III. Watering methods
1. Watering the roots
If pouring water, pour along the edge of the flower pot; this requires many rounds to soak the soil through. If sprinkling water, you can sprinkle the area around the whole flower wet and let the water seep into the soil, but be careful not to sprinkle into the heart of the leaves, otherwise it is very easy to rot the heart. You can also place the growing medium together with 4/3 of the pot in water; the water will quickly soak through the soil, but beware of bacterial attack.
2. Watering the leaves
If using spraying, you can spray directly onto the leaves, and it can absorb water through the stomata. If humidifying, you can increase the moisture in the air, or place some water basins under the orchid rack, and you can also use a humidifying pump.
IV. Water amount and timing
If it is too wet, the roots have difficulty breathing and will rot. If it lacks water, it will wither, growth will be stunted, and it will very likely die. Therefore the water must be moderate; wait until the soil in the pot has not completely dried out, and the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot is relatively moist but not wet; this is the best time to water it. There is no need to wait until it is completely dry before watering again, as this will damage its development.