How to Water Orchids? A Complete Summary of Watering Methods for the 24 Solar Terms

Our predecessors had excellent experience with orchid watering. For example, Yu Zhao in "Dumen Yilan Ji" (Notes on Orchid Cultivation in the Capital) proposed different watering methods according to the 24 solar terms throughout the year, excerpted as follows for reference. But two points need attention: first, "Dumen Yilan Ji" used Beijing's climate as its standard; second, the months mentioned in the text refer to the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar - for example, "the first month" is actually February in the Gregorian calendar.

1. Beginning of Spring (Lichun) and Rain Water (Yushui): The spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii) has already bloomed, so the soil should not be too dry - lightly moisten along the edge of the pot; if the autumn orchid (Cymbidium ensifolium) pot has not dried down to the bottom, do not water.

2. Awakening of Insects (Jingzhe): When the spring orchid pot has dried to half the pot (dry on top, compact below), you may moisten the soil, but do not water too much; the autumn orchid is the same as above.

3. Spring Equinox (Chunfen): The spring orchid has finished blooming and should avoid dampness; when the pot is half dry, you may moisten the soil.

4. Pure Brightness (Qingming) and Grain Rain (Guyu): Do not let the potting soil become too dry; moisten with water every 5 days.

5. Beginning of Summer (Lixia): The orchids begin to be brought out of the room; water thoroughly once.

6. Grain Full (Xiaoman): Do not let the potting soil become too dry or too wet. Spots on the leaves indicate excessive moisture; withered tips on new shoots indicate excessive dryness. Water 1 sheng (about a dried teacup) every 4 days, so that the bottom two-thirds of the potting soil, from bottom to top, is moistened.

7. Grain in Ear (Mangzhong): The climate is dry; pay even more attention to avoiding excessive dryness or moisture.

8. Summer Solstice (Xiazhi): The potting soil must not become too dry. If heavy rain occurs, it can only be tolerated for one day; if there are consecutive days of overcast rain, move the pot to a ventilated location.

9. Minor Heat (Xiaoshu): At this time the air is too humid, and the potting soil must not be too wet. The pot should be placed in a ventilated area. If it is hot and dry with little rain, water 1 sheng every 2 days. After heavy rain or one thorough wetting, you must wait until two-thirds of the potting soil has dried; otherwise, do not water again.

10. Major Heat (Dashu): The potting soil easily dries all the way through; note that only one heavy rain or one thorough wetting per day is appropriate.

11. Beginning of Autumn (Liqiu): Orchids need water at this time; water 2 sheng every 3 days, and they should be sheltered from wind.

12. End of Heat (Chushu): Water once every 5 days. Except during consecutive days of hazy rain, they may be exposed to rain and dew.

13. White Dew (Bailu): The autumn orchid needs more frequent watering than the spring orchid, but after being watered wet, it must dry out considerably before it can be wetted again.

14. Autumn Equinox (Qiufen): If the autumn orchid has already produced flowers, water slightly less; if it has not produced flowers, water slightly more.

15. Cold Dew (Hanlu): The autumn orchid should be watered thoroughly; the spring orchid should not be watered thoroughly but only moistened.

16. Frost Descent (Shuangjiang): Orchids should be brought indoors. Watering time should be changed to midday; after watering, place them in the midday sun for 1-2 hours.

17. Beginning of Winter (Lidong): Only moistening with water is appropriate, about half a sheng every 5 days.

18. Minor Snow (Xiaoxue): The flower room should avoid warmth and excessive moisture. If it is too damp, it can cause root rot, leaf spotting, and even withering. If the pot has not dried to the bottom, simply moisten the surface of the soil slightly.

19. Major Snow (Daxue): The autumn orchid does not need water; the spring orchid should be slightly moistened.

20. Winter Solstice (Dongzhi): Neither should be irrigated.

21. Minor Cold (Xiaohan): Watering is to be avoided for both.

22. Major Cold (Dahan): The autumn orchid still does not need water; the spring orchid may be slightly moistened with water.