Does watering a Phalaenopsis orchid need to be done differently by season? A breakdown of watering methods for different seasons
Is watering the most headache-inducing part of growing Phalaenopsis orchids? Some people are never sure"Is watering a Phalaenopsis the same all year round?" Today let's be blunt - watering a Phalaenopsis must be done differently by season! The watering routines for different seasons are worlds apart, and if you get it wrong, root rot can show up in no time!
Let's start with spring. At this time, the Phalaenopsis begins quietly growing new leaves and sending up flower spikes. But spring weather is very strange - hot and cold by turns, and it always rains - so you need to water cautiously. About once every 10 days is enough. Choose a sunny morning to water, and let the water sit until it is close to room temperature before you start. Remember to pour slowly along the edge of the pot, and never pour into the leaf center! Last time my best friend carelessly watered into the leaf center, and it rotted like soaked wood ear fungus - it broke my heart.
By summer, watering has to speed up! Once the weather gets hot, sphagnum moss dries faster than moods can turn. When the moss feels crisp and the pot feels lighter, you need to replenish water right away. About once every 5-7 days, but do not water every day like my mom does. Phalaenopsis roots are aerial roots, and if they soak in water they rot into bean dregs! It is best to water in the evening, avoid the blazing midday sun, and half an hour after watering pour out the water in the saucer, otherwise one stuffy night will definitely cause problems. My balcony has air conditioning in summer, so I also spray water around it to raise humidity, and the leaves look fresh and lively~
Autumn is a dividing line, and watering needs to be"steady." At this time the Phalaenopsis is busy gathering strength to bloom, so water cannot be too little, but also not too much. About once every 7-10 days, choose the warm midday to water. Autumn dryness is severe, so I spray water around the flower pot every morning. Note! Do not spray the flower buds! Last time I sprayed two buds and they dropped in three days - a painful lesson!
The biggest test is winter! When the temperature is below 15 degrees, the Phalaenopsis goes dormant, and you must steel yourself to water less. Once every 2-3 weeks is enough. Choose the warmest midday, let the water sit in the sun for half a day in advance, and do not use freshly drawn cold water - last year my neighbor took the easy route and watered directly with tap water, and the roots froze black, nearly making him throw out the whole pot. If the growing medium is not completely dry, do not water it. Better dry than wet is the truth!
Finally, here is a universal little trick: no matter the season, before watering, push aside the surface growing medium and take a look. Water only after the top 2cm is dry; or insert a toothpick, and if it comes out with no moisture, then water. Remember, Phalaenopsis orchids are not killed by thirst, most are drowned!
Adjust the watering rhythm with the seasons, and your Phalaenopsis will surely have glossy green leaves and bloom one flush after another~ Any watering disasters? Talk about them in the comments!