The orchids are very popular for their beautiful flowers. Correctly dosed watering is crucial for growth and flower formation. We explain how you can do this and what you should pay attention to when watering, dipping and spraying.
First of all: Orchids are tropical flowers. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they water more or more often than thatother houseplantsneed. It's not just about the amount of water, but above all about how to water correctly.
In their home countries, many species of orchids grow on trees. They are used to tropical rain but can easily tolerate long periods without water.
It is very difficult to replicate the climate conditions in the tropics (draft, humidity and lighting conditions) in your own four walls.
How often you water your orchid depends primarily on the period (growth time in summer or flowering time in winter).
How often to water the orchids when they bloom and when they grow
In the months between February and May, when the orchids form buds and during the flowering period, you need more water - it is best to water twice a week.
In early summer (from June), when the growth phase begins, the exotic also needs regular watering - around three times a week.
The rest phase begins in autumn and winter. Then you can water the flower less often. It is sufficient if you water them every two weeks between September and February. During this time, the flower can hardly use more water and waterlogging can form. Or the flower continues to grow and then has hardly any strength to form flowers during the flowering period.
The best time, thatWatering orchids, is early in the morning so that the roots, leaves and possibly flowers can dry during the day.
In the winter months, when theHumidity in the houseis too low, you can fill a spray bottle with lime-free water and spray the leaves and aerial roots every two days.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Water the orchids too often.Never leave the orchid standing in water. It is much better to let the substrate dry completely.
- Water the orchids at night:No matter what type or variety of orchid you have, the right time is always early in the morning. Always. This allows the excess water to evaporate during the day and the roots are less susceptible to fungi and diseases.
- Ignoring the houseplant's clues:During the summer growing season, the leaves should be green, thick and pointing upwards.
How do you water orchids correctly?
There are basically five different ways to do itCan water the orchid.
- You can water the orchid with a watering can like any other houseplant.
- You can also submerge the orchid in a water bath.
- You can put water in a spray bottle and spray the orchid with it.
Watering or diving orchids: which is better?
Depending on which phase the flower is currently in, it needs between two and eight waterings per month. But how should you water the exotic: water it from below or submerge it in the water? The immersion bath has proven to be a better alternative. This means the roots can absorb the irrigation water better and faster. This is important because the orchid needs to be able to store enough water for a short time for the “dry period” afterwards.
Before each immersion bath, check whether the pot is heavy or light. A light pot means that the water in the substrate has already evaporated and the orchid needs to be watered again. A heavy pot means she still has water reserves.
How to dive the orchid correctly: instructions
1. First fill a clean container with lukewarm water. Depending on the season, you can add some liquid fertilizer for orchids to the water.
2. Hold the pot at an angle and slowly immerse it in the water. You can additionally water the orchid from below.
3. Leave the orchid in the dip until the roots turn grass green. This is a sign that they have stored enough water.
4. The rule of thumb applies: when the humidity is high (i.e. from 60°) and temperatures are between 10° and 20° Celsius, leave the flower in the immersion bath for 10 to 15 minutes. In low humidity and temperatures above 20° Celsius, submerge the flower for 30 minutes or longer.
4. Place the pot in the sink to allow excess water to drain away.
Watering orchids with a shot glass: right or wrong?
The shot glass method has gained popularity in recent years. You should fill a shot glass with water and pour it onto the edge of the pot. However, this amount of water is too little for an orchid. It is best to leave the plant in the immersion bath for 15 minutes so that it can soak up. If you don't have time for that, you should simply water the flower thoroughly from above, like a normal houseplant.
Which water is suitable?
The orchids do not like hard water. Rainwater is best. However, it is not easy to find rainwater, especially in summer. In this case, you can use lukewarm, descaled tap water or condensed water from the dryer.
Distilled water alone is not for wateringsuitable for orchids. However, you can fill a watering can with tap water and distilled water in a ratio of 1 to 1 and add some liquid fertilizer for orchids. Stir slowly until the fertilizer has dissolved in the water and then water the houseplant with it. You can also put the water in a bucket and place the plant in the bucket.
