How to water orchids? Master these watering tips

Many people buy orchids from the flower market and end up with the phenomenon of enjoying flowers the first year, leaves the second year, and an empty pot the third year. Growing orchids is easy to understand, but watering takes three years to master. Before understanding the growth habits and physiological functions of orchids, watering seems to be the most difficult thing about growing orchids. Too much water causes root rot, and too little water causes the fleshy roots of orchids to dry out.

Water quality selection

The water used for growing orchids is best slightly acidic or neutral. Never use alkaline water to water flowers. We can use tap water directly, but it needs to be left to stand for two days. If you are in a rural area and use well water, you must determine the water hardness. Well water that is too hard cannot be used. During the rainy season, you can use a plastic basin to collect rainwater, or use spring water or river water.

How to water

(1) Newly planted orchids should not be watered immediately. After planting, leave them for three to four days to let the injured roots heal in a dry environment, then water thoroughly. After that, place them in a cool, shaded area to prevent excessive water loss, and you can supplement some moisture by misting the leaves.

(2) Watering frequency: there is no fixed watering interval. Learn how to judge whether the potting soil is short of water. Water when it is dry. Never water frequently regardless of the situation, as this easily causes root rot.

(3) Watering time: in summer and autumn, you can water in the morning or evening, when the potting soil and water temperature are very close, so it will not cause too obvious a shock to the orchid. In winter and spring, water at 10-11 a.m. Follow one principle: when the temperature is high, water early or late; when the temperature is low, water when the air temperature is higher.

(4) Watering amount: generally water until water flows out from the bottom of the flower pot. Never give only half a pot of water.

Watering methods

Orchid watering mainly includes watering the potting soil and supplementing moisture to the leaves.

(1) Watering the potting soil: when watering, try not to splash water onto the leaves, especially new leaves. The lower leaf sheaths wrap around the new leaves, and water flowing in can easily cause rot.

(2) For watering, you can use a small watering can with the rose head removed and water directly near the pseudobulbs.

(3) For supplementing moisture to the leaves, use an extremely fine spray, or use an air humidifier to slowly atomize and spray water.