Ten Key Rules for Watering: Master the Scientific Way to Water

1. The water quality must be clean; groundwater or tap water is best stored in a water tank or vat for more than 12 hours before watering. 2. Murky rainwater or groundwater contains large amounts of iron and lime; never use it to waterorchids. 3. The pH of the water must be moderate, neither too acidic nor too alkaline. 4. The principle of watering is "water only after the potting medium has dried out"; never keep it constantly moist. 5. Once the potting medium has dried out, leave it for 1 more day so it dries further before watering. Beginnersgrowing orchids mostly fail because they water too frequently. 6. When it is time to water, water thoroughly so that excess water flows out from the bottom of the pot; this also replaces the air inside the pot. 7. For watering time, choose a clear, sunny morning whenever possible. Do not water at midday when the temperature is high. 8. In winter or early spring the water temperature is very low; use water that has been kept at room temperature for one day, as such water is warmer. 9. In summer or early autumn the temperature is high; use cold water for spraying or watering whenever possible. 10. If watering has been done normally but the orchid plants still show signs of drying out from lack of water, you must find a way to raise the air humidity; never pour on large amounts of water every day. Xue Congxian