Orchids have many requirements that need to be fulfilled for them to successfully bloom and flower for a long time.
One of their requirements is water. Watering orchids is more of an art than a science, a task that becomes easier as you get to know these beautiful houseplants.
You’ll notice potted orchids are usually grown in bark chips or moss rather than the potting soil you use with other houseplants—which is your first clue that orchids have some special hydration needs.
As with caring for any plant, it’s important to avoid giving orchids too much or too little moisture if you’d like a long-term relationship with them.
Unsure of how to water her orchid, Penny Longmire took to the Orchids Tips and Tricks Facebook page to ask: “What is truly the best way to water an orchid?”
Penny received numerous responses, many of which had a common theme. Instead of pouring water over them, it was recommended to leave them soaking in water.
Stephanie Wells wrote: “Mine are in a bark mixture. I soak mine and let them drink as they please until the roots are plump and green.”
Jennifer Hamel said: “I was never able to get my orchids to re-bloom until I started to soak them in water once a week. My orchids are a few years old and very healthy.”
Posting pictures of his orchids full of blooms, Terry Hill wrote: “I soak my ladies every week or two depending on how light they feel.
“I place them in the sink and fill it to right below their root crown. I soak them for about 10 minutes, then allow them to fully drain.
“Prior to this, I had removed the nursery peat moss cube and dying roots, and re-potted in miracle grow orchid bark. They get a bit of warm foggy humidity from being near my sink and dishwasher too. I think they’re happy, I sure am.”
Ratchelle Dean said: “I have all of mine on clear plastic pots with bark. I soak them for 10 minutes once every seven to 10 days.”
Jenny Hughes commented: “I soak them for five to 10 minutes every week. My oldest orchid is 12 years old and is thriving and it still always blooms.”
Once an orchid is well drained of water, place it on a saucer of gravel. This will help air circulate it and make sure any unwanted water drains away.
Other suggestions were to use ice cubes, however experts advice against this tip.
Experts at Waldor Orchids said: “Putting a freezing cube of ice onto your orchid’s delicate roots is pretty rough, and definitely won’t promote the general health of your orchid.”
