How Often Should I Spray Mist Orchids?

A gentle touch and attention to detail is required for growing hearty orchids.

The delicate aroma and petals of an orchid require a light touch, routine maintenance and the ability to be very precise in the care you provide the plant. Though misting orchids grown indoors is one way to combat dry, indoor conditions; caution must be exercised to ensure misting doesn't water log the plant and thus cause damage and rot to the delicate leaves and blooms.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Fertilizer (designated safe and suitable for orchid)
• Clean, dry cloths
• Shallow tray
• Pebbles

Instructions

1. Fill a shallow tray with one to two inches of pebbles. Soak the pebbles by pouring water on top. The water rising up from the pebbles will provide the required humidity orchids to fully bloom. Place the orchid container directly on top of the pebbles in the tray and put the orchid in a sunny location, such as a windowsill or window ledge.

2. Fill one spray bottle with plain water. Mark the outside of the bottle so that you know what the misting bottle contains. Monitor the soil and leaves of the orchid every day and mist when the plant feels dry to the touch, even after watering. Point the nozzle of the mister at least six inches above the top of the orchid and allow the fine spray to fall onto the orchid. Don't mist the blooms or leaves directly because pooled water will cause rotting. If you notice pools of water, blot carefully with a soft, dry cloth.

3. Mist the orchid once per week or month, depending on the manufacturer's stated instructions, with a fertilizer designed to provide nutrients to the orchid. This type of misting allows for misting directly on the blooms and leaves of the plant. Mix the fertilizer in a spray bottle according to directions and note the contents on the outside of the bottle so that you don't get the misting bottles confused. Even though misting fertilizer directly on the plant is acceptable and preferred, make sure to blot up excess pools of water-based fertilizer to prevent rotting.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn orchids every few days when grown beside a window so that all sides and angles receive ample and equal amounts of direct sunshine.

• Never handle the blooms of an orchid more than necessary because the delicate blooms can bruise and turn brown.

References

• Argus Orchis: Orchid Care
• Sacramento Orchid Society: Growing Orchids
• Orchid Lady: Orchid Care Questions
• Landscape and Garden: Caring for Orchids