Most commercially available orchids come from the subtropical and tropical climate zones and are therefore used to much higher humidity than is usual in our latitudes. In addition, these are usually epiphytes, whose roots hang in the air and which cover their water requirements with moisture from the air. For this reason alone, there are many special features to consider when watering the delicate beauties - then you can enjoy the distinctive blooms for a long time.
Excess water is poured off after exposure
Do not water orchids with tap water
This includes, for example, that many orchids are very sensitive to lime in the irrigation water and should therefore not be watered with tap water. So do not use water freshly tapped from the tap, but first filter it using a commercially available water filter (such as that sold for preparing tea) and then leave it overnight. The latter serves to warm the water, because you should never startle your orchids with cold water. The flowers tolerate lukewarm water best. The flower beauties also tolerate a mixture of filtered tap water and distilled water well. Even better than treated tap water, however, is collected rainwater that must not be contaminated. Mineral water, on the other hand, is a bad idea due to the high mineral content.
How to properly water orchids
How often you water your orchids depends on many different factors - such as how much moisture the substrate can absorb, the size of the plant and planter, how warm and dry the location is, or what species it is. Different orchid species have very different water needs: some orchids must not dry out under any circumstances, while others (especially the popular hybrids such as Phalaenopsis) have no problem with this. In general, however, a watering interval of about once or twice a week is recommended , but depends on the actual needs of the individual plant:
- Water whenever the substrate feels superficially dry.
- Water the orchids deeply.
- Drain excess water and then empty the planter.
- Ensure high humidity - especially on the windowsill and in winter.
- Mist your orchids regularly.
- Place a bowl of water next to the plant pots.
- Orchids cultivated without soil should only be sprayed.
- If possible, these species should be attached together with moss.
tips
If you want to ensure the correct water supply for your orchids, you should cultivate them in hydroponics with a rather coarse substrate. This also significantly reduces the effort involved in casting.