How to water bark-grown Phalaenopsis orchids in summer and do they need more water?

As soon as summer arrives, the pots of those Phalaenopsis orchids planted in bark dry out completely - time to water? But I've heard that Phalaenopsis roots are delicate and too much water easily causes root rot... This punishing summer, what on earth should be done with them?

Bark-grown Phalaenopsis orchids can't just be watered carelessly in summer. Bark has excellent air permeability, and when watered too much the water quickly runs off; it looks moist, but actually it can't hold much water. But summer temperatures are high, and once the sun shines, the moisture in the bark evaporates faster than a rocket. If you don't water in time, the orchid roots will dry up and curl in no time. On the other hand, if you think it's hot and just keep watering heavily, water accumulates in the gaps between the bark, the orchid roots sit soaking in it and feel suffocated, and root rot comes easily. By then the leaves turn yellow and the flowers wilt, and it's too late to cry.

So how exactly should you water? Checking the state of the bark is a good method. Use your hand to push aside the top layer of bark and feel underneath. If it feels bone-dry and there's no moisture when you pinch it, then it's time to water. If it's still damp, or you can even squeeze out a bit of water, then wait a while longer. There's also a right time to water in summer - never water under the strong midday sun, because at that point the potting medium temperature is high, and suddenly pouring cold water on it easily shocks the roots. It's best to choose before the sun comes up in the morning, or after the sun sets in the evening. At these times the temperature is suitable, and after watering the moisture can slowly seep in without easily damaging the roots.

There are also techniques when watering - don't just take the watering can andpour it into the pot with a "thunk thunk thunk" and be done. It's best to use a fine-spout watering can and water slowly along the edge of the pot, letting the water seep down through the gaps in the bark, and try not to let water accumulate in the leaf center or on the petals. If you accidentally water into the leaf center, quickly wipe it dry with a paper towel, otherwise water pooling in the leaf center easily causes crown rot, and the trouble is even greater especially when the environment has poor ventilation. How much to water? Generally, water until water starts leaking from the bottom of the pot and then stop. Don't water only halfway, and don't let the pot sit soaking in the accumulated water in the saucer. After watering, wait about ten minutes and pour out the excess water in the saucer. This way you can ensure the roots get water without water accumulation causing root rot.

In addition, summer air is relatively dry, and watering alone may not be enough. Every morning or evening, you can use a sprayer to mist water around the pot and on the leaves to increase air humidity, but remember not to spray too much - no water should accumulate on the leaves. If ventilation at home isn't very good, after misting you can open a window, or use a small fan to blow air, so the moisture evaporates faster.

When watering bark-grown Phalaenopsis orchids in summer, the key is"water when dry, let dry between waterings" - don't be too frequent and don't be too lazy. Judge the timing, pick the right time, and master the method, and the Phalaenopsis can comfortably get through summer, and maybe even bloom another round!