A woman took to social media to ask for the “best” way to water orchids, which can be quite tricky to get right. Thankfully, other plant enthusiasts were on hand to offer some advice
Orchids are exquisite plants that demand certain conditions to thrive and display their gorgeous blooms for an extended period.
A crucial aspect of orchid care is watering. Mastering the hydration of orchids is less about strict rules and more about developing a feel for it, becoming simpler as you grow accustomed to these enchanting houseplants.
The fact that orchids are typically housed in bark chips or moss rather than conventional potting soil signals their unique watering requirements. When tending to any plant, including orchids, balancing moisture levels is key if you aim to enjoy their presence over time.
Penny Longmire, unsure how to water her orchid, reached out to fellow enthusiasts on the Orchids Tips and Tricks Facebook page, asking, “What is truly the best way to water an orchid?”
The advice Penny received was consistent, with many suggesting immersion rather than sprinkling water over the plant, reports the Express.
Stephanie Wells contributed her method, saying: “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 shared her success story: “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.”
Terry Hill, flaunting pictures of his blooming orchids, offered his technique: “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 remarked: “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 added: “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.”
After ensuring an orchid has thoroughly drained, it’s best to set it on a saucer filled with gravel. This promotes air circulation and ensures any excess water is properly drained away.
While some people might suggest using ice cubes, experts strongly advise against this method. The specialists at Waldor Orchids caution: “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.”
