How to Grow Orchids Underwater

It is possible to grow orchids using water instead of soil.

Orchids are delicate flowers that come in many colors, sizes and scents. Although many people believe growing orchids is a difficult task, with adequate knowledge even a novice gardener can grow an orchid. Most orchids are planted in the traditional way, using soil and water. However, it is possible to grow an orchid using a water culture in which the orchid is grown submersed in water.

Things You'll Need

• Clear plastic or glass container
• Orchid clipping
• Tepid tap water
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill a large clear plastic or glass container full of tepid tap water. Growing orchids in a water culture is easier in a clear container because it allows light to penetrate the orchid.

2. Place a stem from an orchid into the water. The container should be deep enough to accommodate a significant amount of root growth.

3. Put fertilizer into the water regularly, as you would feed a normal orchid plant. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how regularly and how much fertilizer you should add to the water.

4. Change the water every week. Replace the old water with new tepid tap water. Adding water that is hot or cold could shock the developing plant.

5. Keep the plant in the sunlight as you would a normal plant to allow it to grow.

6. Repot the root system in a larger container of water when it has grown too large to be accommodated by the first container.