A hearty species, the Achilles Heel of orchids is found in their watering needs. Root rot a frequent complaint amongst horticulturists.
When it comes to getting the biggest “blooms for your bucks,” Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as ‘moth orchids,’ are a consistent fan favorite of gardeners and homeowners across the nation.
Phalaenopsis orchids are growing on tree trunks and branches according to Maryland University.
Therefore their roots have particular needs and are prone to rot from overwatering.
Learning how to water a Phalaenopsis orchid properly is therefore crucial.
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How to Water a Phalaenopsis Orchid
To water a Phalaenopsis orchid put it in lukewarm water and let it soak for 30 minutes. The humidity, the amount of shade, the extent of sunshine, and the ground cover will influence how often it needs to be watered. As a general rule of thumb, water an orchid no more often than every four to seven days. Wait for the earth to dry before rewatering your plant.
How to Water A Phalaenopsis Orchid Video Step By Step
Watering Your Phalaenopsis Orchid Correctly
As mentioned above, when it comes to the watering routines of most horticulturalists regarding their orchids, if problems arise it is typically owing to overwatering as opposed to underwatering.
This is why it is so important to know how to water a Phalaenopsis Orchid.
Your plant will not be shy about indicating that it is getting too much water if you know what signs to look for when examining your plant.
- Black and squishy roots are indicative of roots that have been infected with bacteria and are well past the point of return and should be removed from the plant immediately.
- Yellow leaves are suggestive of a plant suffering the effects of root rot. Your plant’s leaves should be a vibrant green and protruding from strong stems.
- Droop leaves are never a good thing, and orchid leaves that droop and easily fall off when touched show a plant suffering from root rot in an advanced state.
To avoid these situations, consider paying attention to the following factors when watering your orchids.
While the tendency is to water plants regularly that do not have a built-in water storage system, orchids are very particular in the water it receives.
Specifically, they do not respond well to sitting in water, which works to quickly begin the root rotting process.
At most, you will want to water your orchid no more often than every four to seven days. Indeed, keep one eye on the calendar and the other on your plant’s soil.
Wait for the earth to dry out before rewatering your plant.
For best results, always water your orchid in the morning to allow for the maximum amount of time to complete the process of water evaporation before nightfall.
Plants watered in the evening or allowed to stand in sitting water, quickly begin to develop fungal or bacterial rot.
Phalaenopsis orchids are a beautiful addition to your garden and home, but they can be temperamental creatures to cultivate.
Ensuring that your watering regimen is proper and appropriate for the plant’s overall health is the first step in keeping them happy.
Caring for Orchids in General
When it comes to dealing with orchids, keep in mind that there are over 70 individual species of the plant with a wide range between one end of the watering spectrum and the other.
Towards that end, we will focus on the role watering plays in the most popular species, phalaenopsis, which is the most popular orchid houseplant.
These plants have no storage system for holding water within their stem system, so we want to think of a continual watering cycle throughout the year, which may be why people make the mistake of overwatering their orchids.
Remember that a continual watering cycle does not mean that the soil should remain wet or moist most of the time.
Indeed, go ahead and stick your index finger in the soil.
Is it moist? Wet? If so, there’s a chance that the orchid’s roots are rotting as we speak.
Temperature and Humidity
Orchids make great roommates because their temperature and humidity requirements are similar to the comfort range of our homes.
Your phalaenopsis orchid will be happiest in a temperature range of 62 and 65-degrees at night while daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees closely mirror the temps in our homes.
Humidity factors into your plant’s well-being since your orchids are unable to store any moisture on their own, so a higher humidity will put more moisture in the air.
Ideally, a 50% to 70% humidity rate will serve to keep your plant hydrated.
Light and Darkness with a Smidge of Coverage
When it comes to talking about the amount of water your orchid plant needs to thrive, its overall environment plays a role in the ability of your plant to hold onto any available moisture.
The lighting preference for your Phalaenopsis orchid tends towards the shady side of the room.
You will note that they prefer an east-facing window setting that avoids direct sunlight that might damage the plant.
Further, adding a bit of coverage in the form of woodchips, for instance, will keep the soil from drying out too soon under direct sunlight.
With these preliminaries taken care of, let’s look at your watering regimen to ensure the best possible result for your plant.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Water A Phalaenopsis Orchid
How often do you water a Phalaenopsis orchid?
You water a Phalaenopsis Orchid about once every 4 to 7 days. Floppy and thin orchid leave are a clear sign that a Phalaenopsis Orchid needs water.
How do I know when to water my Phalaenopsis orchid?
Thin floppy leaves and greyish-white roots are an indication that your Phalaenopsis Orchid needs water.
Should you water a Phalaenopsis orchid after repotting?
You should water your Phalaenopsis orchid after repotting, but not right away. The best is to water your orchid about 4-7 days after repotting it and then again in 4-7 days following your regular watering schedule.
How do you water a Phalaenopsis orchid indoors?
The best way to water a Phalaenopsis orchid indoors is by bottom watering it. For this let the orchid sit in lukewarm water for 30 minutes before removing it and letting it dry.
How do you water a Phalaenopsis mini orchid?
Water a Phalaenopsis mini orchid as you would water a regular-sized orchid about once every 4-7 days. Make sure the mini orchid does not sit in water and soaked for about 30 minutes in lukewarm water.
Conclusion on How to Water a Phalaenopsis Orchid
To water a Phalaenopsis orchid, bottom water it and let it sit in water for 30 minutes. Water about once a week and watch out for floppy and thin leaves. This indicates that a Phalaenopsis Orchid needs water.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.