We have already explained to you that and how you can grow orchids without soil and in water. We also mentioned the suitable alternative substrates. Now you're seeing more and more often another cool variant that supposedly can be used for hydroponics and is also very decorative. We mean the pretty water balls that are guaranteed to be an eye-catcher. But what should you consider if you want to grow orchids in a glass with water beads and is that okay in the long term? To ensure that your flowers continue to thrive, we would like to briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages to you.
Transparent water beads as a substrate – what are they?
Slippery and shiny, that's how most of us have always seen these interesting pearls. But before they take on this form, they must first rest in water. Before that, the water beads made of absorbent polymers are smaller and firm. It takes a full 6 to 8 hours for them to completely fill up.
How to Use Water Beads – Instructions
- So put the beads in a container with enough water for several hours. This doesn't have to be the final vessel, because you're just preparing the balls. For example, you can do this step in the evening before going to bed so that you can use the beads straight away in the morning.
- After the water beads for plants have soaked up, you should let the excess water drain off. For example, use a sieve.
- Take the planter in which you want to plant the orchid. Of course, this should also be transparent so that the beads can be seen. Glass (also colored) or transparent plastic, for example, are well suited.
- Hold the plant in the container, being careful not to crush any roots on the bottom.
- You can then surround the orchids in the glass with water beads. To do this, simply let the beads fall loosely between the roots into the glass vase until everything is completely filled.
A notice:Since tap water contains a lot of lime, which orchids don't particularly like anyway, it is recommended to use rainwater. Of course, this should also be clean. If you don't have rainwater available, you can alternatively boil tap water, which will remove most of the lime. In this way you also prevent limescale deposits on the gel balls.
Properly care for orchids in a glass with water beads
The plant is initially supplied with sufficient liquid by the soaked water balls, which saves you from watering/dipping every week or two. But since the water from the beads gradually evaporates, sooner or later you will have to soak the beads again. This can be recognized by the fact that they shrink and no longer look as slippery.
For this purpose, take the orchid out again. It is best to put the water beads in a sieve and rinse them well to clean them, as algae also form over time. Afterwards, immerse them again for a few hours as described in the instructions above. Around theto fertilize the plant, simply add the usual liquid fertilizer to the rainwater in which you let the gel beads soak.
Now let’s be honest: is this really such a good idea?
If you read the opinions of experts and orchid enthusiasts, you quickly realize that opinions differ. Some argue that this is nothing more than hydroponics, while others claim that the balls release too much moisture, drastically increasing the risk of root rot and plant death. What's true now?
Orchids in a glass with water beads – yes or no?
The fact is that constantly planting and replanting to soak and clean the water balls is quite stressful for the plant. Just when she has gotten somewhat used to the new surroundings, she has to go out again. And of course this back and forth also drains their strength.
When it comes to the amount of moisture, it is difficult to judge what is right and what is wrong. Hydroponics alone proves that wet feet do not always mean dire consequences for the plant and I have often left my orchids completely submerged in water in their usual bark substrate for months (but without constantly planting them out) and they have thrived .
So if you're considering this pretty water bead and flower decoration, you have no choice but to simply test how your orchid reacts to it. Watch the plant for changes to the leaves and roots and if it gives even the slightest impression that it might be unwell, switch back to the usual substrate.
According to reports, the gel balls disintegrate after a few months. Of course, if that were to happen, you would also ruin the plant. That's why it's important to replace the beads regularly. On the whole, however, it doesn't seem like a good idea to cultivate plants of any kind in this way for an extended period of time. If you want to care for an orchid using water culture, go for itproven methods or filling materials. However, you could also use this decoration idea for special occasions.
Tip for cut flowers
In general, orchids in glass jars with water beads are more likely to be displayed in the form of cut flowers. It looks much prettier in a transparent vase than boring stems in water. But you should also keep something in mind: As you know, the cut flowers obviously have to be in water. However, if you fill the vase with the beads with water, as you would otherwise, the gel balls will no longer be effective. Therefore, only fill the lower area with water. However, this method is not suitable for large bouquets that require a lot of water.
What you should consider when planting an orchid in glass, you canread here.
