Orchids are some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, but they're also one of the most finicky flowers. as in they require very specific and attentive care. Orchids needs the right type of soil, the right amount of sun, and just the perfect amount of water. Today we'll show you how to water orchids correctly, how MUCH water to give them, and WHEN to water them. Watering orchids can seem complicated at first since they're so high maintenance, but these steps will make it super easy to understand and you'll have beautiful, thriving orchids in no time!
Watering Orchids the Right Way
#1. Water Only in The Morning
The best and only time you should water orchids is in the morning. This is so that the plant has the rest of the day to soak up the water as well as the sun, and before the soil gets too warm.
#2. Watering Frequency
The rule of thumb for orchids is to water once a week in the winter and twice a week in the summer. Because summers are warmer, your plant will need more water, just like you!
#3. Smaller Potted Orchids Vs. Larger Potted Orchids
Orchids in smaller pots will generally need more water than those in larger pots. This is because smaller pots don't have the room to retain that much water.
#4. The Pencil Trick
Since orchids can easily be overwatered and in turn dye, do this pencil trick BEFORE watering. Stick the pencil into the soil, and if the pencil is moist, your plant does NOT need any more water!
#5. Use Rainwater if Possible
Rainwater is full of organic materials that your orchid will love, so if possible, use rainwater instead of tap water, which can sometimes contain chemicals.
#6. Use Only Room Temperature Water
Never water your orchids with very cold or warm water – room temperature is what they prefer! Giving them really cold water could shock the roots which in turn will cause them to wilt and dye.
#7. Never Water the Leaves
Always water directly onto the soil, and never the leaves. If you do so by accident, simply wipe the leaf down.
#8. Keep the Flowers Dry
Occasionally check the flowers to make sure that they're not wet from watering. If they are wet, wipe them down.
#9. If It's Yellow, Let it Mellow!
If you see your orchid plant turning yellow, it means you've over watered it. To get it back to its healthy self, simply stop watering for a few weeks.
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i know now how yo water Orchids properly after managing to kill 3,thanks for the tip.
Glad we could be of help Linda 🙂
I heard that you can place ice cubes on the soil and let them melt to water. Is this wrong? How much water should I use to water a small orchid?
Hi Cindy, You should never use ice cubes on any plant, especially orchids. This is a common misconception, and many people seem to think that ice cubes can help control the amount of water we give our plants, but in reality, it does more harm than good. Flowers, especially tropical ones, like orchids, are not meant to receive ice cold water – the temperature could shock them. Instead, just use room temperature water. Give your orchid water only when it needs it – usually twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter. Stick a pencil… Read more »
My mother put three ice cubes each week in her orchids and they did beautifully.
Yes, that’s absolutely a great idea!
Nice simplicity presented info on Orchids, especially watering.
A orchid that I have my cat knocked it off the table and it fell on the carpet coming out of its pot and the soil (wood type chips, puzzling to me ) so I’m now trying to save it, they are alive you know.
I am pushing to learn about orchid but much to learn.
Thank you for supporting your wisdom on orchids with us out in the digital world.
I over watered my orchid about 1-2weeks ago. It still looks good. Is there a way to avoid it from dying? The leaves are still green, but i am concerned about the potential of root rot. I moved it to my screened sun room/porch to receive more light. I live in central florida.
Hi Cindy,
It should be fine if this only happened once. The problem would have been if you overwatered all the time. Keep it in a sunny place like you have been, and wait a couple of weeks until you water your orchid again 🙂
You mentioned rd keeping orchids in a “sunny place,” direct or indirect?
Hi Karen,
Indirect sunlight would be best 🙂
“ NEVER WATER THE LEAVES” Priceless. Every time it rains we run out and dry the leaves? My indoor and outdoor orchids are gorgeous. They’ve been gorgeous for most of the 30 years I’ve been growing them. The indoor ones take a trip to the sink each week where they get thoroughly, from top to bottom, sprayed with water. They then spend about an hour submerged up to not letting the mix float away. Some are well over 10 years old. Can’t remember the last time I lost an orchid.
where is a good place to put ur plant to thrive in the house
I just got my baby orchid from Akatsuka orchid garden and it arrived yesterday, it is potted in a 3 inch pot with what looks like bark as the soil. I have tried to stick a pencil in it to see it needs water I managed to do it but the pencil came out dry. How much water do I give it and how often. I have it in a bedroom with south filter sun through the blinds. Please advise
Thanks
Karen Wilson
Kansas City, KS