The "sitz bath" watering method for orchids has hidden risks: laypeople watch the excitement, while experts see the craft

Orchid-growing "masters" are found among ordinary people. Sometimes, this humble gardener is often kept laughing nonstop by the orchid owners in the forum, such as the watering method of this orchid owner named "I Want to Grow Orchids" - you definitely would not have thought of it, and that is giving orchids a "sitz bath". Wow, so there is this kind of "level" in orchid growing. Let us take a look together.

1. Watering orchids with the "sitz bath" method

What is this "sitz bath method"? It is just like in the picture: take the orchid to the steps by the river, where the water rises every day, and slowly wait for the water to rise, so that it gets thoroughly watered. After it is thoroughly watered, carry it back. This watering method is pretty impressive, right? Indeed, but this humble gardener wants to warn this orchid owner: pay attention to safety. There is moss on the steps, it is very slippery, do not give yourself a "sitz bath" too.

2. Laypeople watch the excitement, experts see the craft

Actually, many orchid enthusiasts only noticed the "sitz bath" part and did not pay attention to other things. Experienced orchid owners will definitely ask two questions: first, what growing medium are you using to grow orchids that allows such a bold watering method; second, does doing this carry a certain risk? Below, this humble gardener will briefly share my views with everyone.

3. Although "sitz bath" is uncommon, the growing medium must be chosen correctly

First, the growing medium used by this orchid owner is: bark plus Kanuma soil, and what is used for top dressing is moss and local red sandstone. Orchid owners can imitate this soil-mixing method; its drainage and air permeability are very good, so you can water freely. However, a soil-mixing method dominated by large growing medium does not have enough nutrients. It is best to use it together with an organic nutrient solution specially for orchids, to strengthen roots, supplement fertilizer, and only then can flowering be guaranteed.

4. Although "sitz bath" is novel, "hidden risks" also exist

Second, quite a few owners also pointed out that doing this actually carries certain "hidden risks". These "hidden risks" are: first, the lake water may not be clean and may have many pathogens; second, when soaking the pot, bacteria at the bottom of the pot can easily move upward, contact rotten roots, and then trigger disease outbreaks, making orchids prone to illness. So, quite a few orchid owners do not really use the soaking method. Most of them use top-down spray irrigation to water. This is the reason.

Moreover, after watering like this, you must do a good job of ventilation. However, looking at this owner's environment, it is so open that there is no need to worry about ventilation. What we can learn is using this soil-mixing method to grow orchids. Second, we can learn the soaking method, but it cannot be used often. Third, when using large growing medium, remember to apply organic nutrient solution as a top dressing. These are the "essence" parts.

That is all this humble gardener has to say about the "sitz bath" watering method for orchids. Everyone can also go to the forum to pay homage to this orchid owner with wildly imaginative ideas, and by the way ask how the orchids are doing, haha.