How often should orchids be watered for better growth
This article brings you the knowledge of how often orchids should be watered for better growth and how to properly care for orchids. Here is a detailed introduction.
Those who have grown orchids know that they are quite difficult to cultivate, and many people can't grow them well. The main reason is that we didn't pay attention to watering and didn't master the correct care methods when taking care of them. For those who are new to growing orchids, after buying one, they don't know how to care for it and will search online for orchid care and watering methods. Many people say that orchids should be watered every two or three days, or every half a month. This kind of statement is simply misleading. Why do I say that?
Because it's impossible to water orchids every few days. The soil we prepare is different, the breathability is different, and the speed at which the potting soil dries is different. Our care environment is different, the ventilation is different, and the speed at which the potting soil dries is also different. Factors like light, ventilation, and soil significantly determine when the potting soil will dry and completely dry out. Can you know that? Therefore, when someone tells you to water every two days, it might actually take three to five days for the soil to dry after watering, keeping the potting soil constantly moist. If you water it directly, the end result could be root rot. If the soil you prepare is very breathable and dries within a day after watering, especially in the summer, if you follow their advice and water every five or six days, won't your potted orchid's roots dry out?
So, watering orchids at home is crucial. Ensuring proper ventilation and access to light, generally, if you poke the potting soil with your finger about an inch deep (about two centimeters), and feel that there is basically no moisture inside, that is, the top two to three centimeters of soil are dry, then water thoroughly. This is the best watering method for orchids. No matter what season, as long as it is growing, you should follow this method, even in the summer. The simplest method is to insert a bamboo skewer halfway into the potting soil and frequently pull it out to check. If the humidity on the skewer is low, water thoroughly. This method won't go wrong.
As long as orchids grow normally and bloom normally, watering is essential. Follow the method mentioned by Xiaoqi for watering, not based on how often you water every few days. This way, the roots won't dry out or rot. As long as the environment has good ventilation and plenty of light, provide 50% to 70% shade in the summer, give it more light at other times, and regularly supplement it with fertilizer. Use multi-element fertilizers during the growing season and gradually switch to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the summer. It will grow normally, with many leaves and new buds. By the blooming season, the flower buds will quickly emerge and bloom.
The above is about how often orchids should be watered for better growth and tips on proper orchid care. I hope this article can bring you some help!