Phalaenopsis Watering Tips: Should You Water More or Less in Summer
In recent years, orchids have earned fame throughout the entire floral world. Many beginners walk up to the flower shop door and ask specifically for "which variety of Phalaenopsis," all because these orchids not only come in diverse flower colors but also have a form as lively as dancing butterflies. Whether used for photography or simply enjoyed in daily leisure, they are an excellent choice.
On the journey of growing Phalaenopsis, the hardest thing for many beginners to master is watering. They always can't figure out how many days to wait between waterings or how much water to use. As for the technique of watering Phalaenopsis, it's not hard once you know it; the most important thing is to look at the condition of the medium (soil). First, to judge when to water, beginners can stick a finger about 2 cm into the sphagnum moss in the pot and feel how dry it is. If it feels bone-dry, then it's time to water. Besides feeling with your hand, there is a more intuitive method: look at the root color inside a transparent pot. If the roots are silvery white, it means they lack water and you need to replenish it right away. If they are green, then there's no rush to water; wait a bit longer.
As for how often to water, there really is no precise number, because watering differs by season. In spring and autumn, generally watering once every 7 to 10 days is fine. If it's the hot summer months of July-August, when temperatures are high and water evaporates quickly, you need to water once every 5 to 7 days. In the relatively cold winter, growth is also slow, so the water requirement is lower; watering once every 15 to 20 days is enough.
Next, let's talk about the correct watering method. It's best to use room-temperature water; tap water that has been left to sit for 2 days or rainwater are both quite suitable (rainwater contains nutrients, so plants prefer it). When watering, slowly pour along the edge of the pot until water seeps out from the bottom, which shows it has been watered through; then pour away the water at the bottom. If you're worried about not getting the amount right, you can also use the soaking method. The specific operation is to place the flower pot into a container filled with water and soak for about 10 minutes, letting water slowly seep upward from the bottom, which also allows the soil to fully absorb moisture.
Finally, if the plant is currently blooming, you should reduce the amount of watering, otherwise it easily causes the flowers to fade early and affects the ornamental effect.