How to Water a Phalaenopsis Orchid? A Detailed Guide to the Correct Method

Phalaenopsis orchids like moisture but hate waterlogged soil. They must not lack water during the growing period; prolonged drought will turn the leaves yellow with no way to remedy it. Phalaenopsis orchids grown in pine needle medium will not become waterlogged; when watering, use a spray bottle to spray water until it flows out from the bottom of the pot. Regularly sprinkle water around the orchid pot to keep the air humid, but be careful not to let water accumulate in the crown of the leaves; especially on winter nights, never spray water onto the leaves.

Watering and fertilising a Phalaenopsis orchid should be based on its growth and development stage. During the new root elongation period, water more;

water less during the dormant period after flowering. Generally, in spring and autumn, water once a day; in summer, water once each morning and evening;

in winter, control watering so that the potting medium just stays moist. Spring and summer are its vigorous growth period, so apply a dilute liquid fertiliser mainly based on nitrogen about once every 2 weeks; autumn and winter are its flower spike growth period, so apply a liquid fertiliser mainly based on phosphorus and potassium once every 10--14 days. Once buds appear, stop fertilising, otherwise it easily causes bud drop. To propagate Phalaenopsis orchids, division is mostly used.

How to Water a Phalaenopsis Orchid

Soil and Water

Phalaenopsis orchids grown in pine needle medium will not become waterlogged; when watering, use a spray bottle to spray water until it flows out from the bottom of the pot. Regularly sprinkle water around the orchid pot to keep the air humid, but be careful not to let water accumulate in the crown of the leaves; especially on winter nights, never spray water onto the leaves.

Watering During the Growing Period

Watering a Phalaenopsis orchid should be based on its growth and development stage. During the new root elongation period, water more. During the flowering and bud-forming period, water more. However, during the flowering period, reduce watering so that excess water does not make the flowers fade early.

Watering During the Dormant Period

Water less during the dormant period after flowering. Generally, in spring and autumn, water once a day; in summer, water once each morning and evening.

In winter, control watering so that the potting medium just stays moist.

Combining Water and Fertiliser for Phalaenopsis Orchids

Spring and summer are its vigorous growth period, so apply a dilute liquid fertiliser mainly based on nitrogen about once every 2 weeks; autumn and winter are its flower spike growth period, so apply a liquid fertiliser mainly based on phosphorus and potassium once every 10~14 days. Once buds appear, stop fertilising, otherwise it easily causes bud drop.

Water on the second day after fertilising. Fertilising usually happens in the evening, and you can water the next morning!

How to Water a Home-Grown Phalaenopsis Orchid, Watering Principles for Different Stages

How to water a Phalaenopsis orchid throughout the year: in spring and autumn, water once a day; in the hot summer, generally water once each morning and evening; in the cold winter, watering needs to be controlled, and it is enough to keep the potting medium moist.

During the growing period of a Phalaenopsis orchid, watering should be based on its growth and development stage. During the new root growth period of a Phalaenopsis orchid, water more. During the flowering and bud-forming period, a Phalaenopsis orchid likewise needs more water.

However, during the flowering period, a Phalaenopsis orchid needs reduced watering, to avoid excess water causing the flowers to fade early.

A Phalaenopsis orchid should be watered less during the dormant period after flowering; just keep the medium moist and do not water too much, as it easily causes root rot. Remember to use a spray bottle when watering a Phalaenopsis orchid, and water until it flows out from the bottom of the pot.