Orchid Watering Methods: Handling Five Key Relationships Well

1. Watering and orchid species. Because each orchid species has different growth habits, its water requirements also vary. Cymbidium ensifolium likes moisture, but waterlogging in the growing medium must be avoided. Cymbidium sinense prefers dry over wet; too much moisture easily causes root rot and plant collapse. Cymbidium kanran has a well-developed root system and strong drought tolerance, so the potting soil should be kept on the dry side. Suxin orchids and leaf-variegated orchids require seven parts dry and three parts wet; too much moisture easily causes degeneration.

2. Watering and orchid pots. Clay pots have a rough texture and strong air permeability, and moisture evaporates easily, so water frequently, water generously, and water thoroughly. Plastic pots have low density and poor air permeability, and moisture is consumed slowly; in summer and autumn, water once thoroughly per day, and in winter and spring, water once every 3-5 days. Glazed ceramic pots have even lower density and even poorer air permeability, so the watering interval should be longer.

3. Watering and growing medium. Growing media fall into two types: soft media and hard media. Because their types and textures differ, their water requirements also vary. Soft media have fine particles, are rich in humus, have strong water retention, and have poor air permeability. Hard media have large particles, strong drainage and air permeability, and poor water retention. The principle of watering is that soft media should be "preferably dry rather than wet," while hard media should be "preferably wet rather than dry." That is to say, the watering interval for soft media should be longer, while hard media should be watered frequently and thoroughly.

4. Watering and seasons. Because the seasons differ, orchids' water requirements also differ. In spring, as temperatures gradually rise, orchids go from revival into the growth period. Potting soil for those in the flowering period should be kept moist but not wet; those in the dormant period should be watered less; those in the growth period should have their growing medium kept moist and must not be left on the dry side. In summer, light is strong, temperatures are high, moisture evaporates quickly, and orchids are also in a period of vigorous growth, so watering must be sufficient; in the morning and evening, misting is also needed to raise air humidity, lower temperature, and promote rapid growth of the orchid plants. In early autumn, during the period of high temperature and high humidity, watering should be appropriately controlled, otherwise root rot and even plant collapse may occur. After mid-autumn, as temperatures turn cooler, according to the principle of "autumn not dry," water timely and in appropriate amounts. In winter, temperatures are low, and most orchid plants enter the dormant period; according to the requirement of "winter not wet," watering should be restrained, and it is best for the potting soil to be on the dry side.

5. Watering and growth vigor. For the same variety and orchid pots of the same size, because the number of orchid plants planted varies, daily watering should differ. Water more when the number is greater, and less when the number is smaller; between pots, because the growth vigor of the orchid plants differs, the number of waterings and the amount of water also differ. Those with strong growth vigor should be watered more, while those with weak growth vigor and diseased plants should be watered less or temporarily not watered.