How Often Should Orchids Be Watered?
Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family of plants. Orchids are exotic plants growing in a variety of climates. The most common variety of houseplant orchids belongs to the genus Cattleya. These colorful orchids are tropical epiphytes from tropical areas, such as Central and South America. As houseplants, orchids have specific growing requirements, including the amount of moisture in their soil. Does this Spark an idea?
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Growing Medium
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The growing medium controls the amount of water around the root system. Orchids prefer loose, loamy mediums with minimal amounts of soil. Orchid growing mixes often contain soilless ingredients, such as peat moss, sphagnum moss, shredded bark, vermiculite and perlite. Although this type growing medium supports the root growth, it supplies few nutrients.
Moisture
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Unlike many tropical plant varieties, orchids need to dry out slightly between watering sessions. As epiphytic plants, orchids depend on air circulation around their roots. Water retention in the pot smothers the roots and kills an orchid plant. Pots with large drainage holes allow the excess water to leave the container, giving these plants only a short time to absorb moisture.
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Watering Schedule
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The best way to determine the optimal watering schedule for your orchid is observing its growth. An orchid that fails to blossom or displays yellowed, wilting leaves may need more frequent watering. Watering an orchid every five to seven days provides regular water for optimal growth. However, mediums containing a majority of nonabsorbent ingredients, such as perlite, need more frequent watering than those containing peat moss or soil. Complete saturation at the time of watering ensures optimal moisture availability. Accomplish this by placing a deep, drip tray beneath the pot or placing the entire pot in the sink during watering. Deep watering provides enough moisture that a small stream of water runs from the drainage holes. Dumping any standing water from the drip tray helps reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases.
Considerations
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While a regular watering schedule plays an important role in the health of orchids, other factors are important to their growth and appearance. In their natural environment, orchids flourish in humid air. Misting these plants every few days in arid climates helps enhance their appearance and encourages optimal growth and blossoming. They prefer plenty of light, but intense sunlight and heat scorches the leaves and causes excessive dryness near the roots.
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