How often should orchids be watered?
A comprehensive explanation of how often orchids should be watered in terms of green plants and flowers will be introduced by the editor below.
How often should orchids be watered?
Orchids grow in different regions with varying temperatures, light exposure, and humidity; different types of orchids also have their own preferences. Generally speaking, spring orchids, spring swords, and莲瓣兰 (Lianbanlan) prefer slightly moist conditions; Jianlan and Hui兰 (Huilan) prefer drier conditions; while Hanlan and Mokulan prefer slightly moist conditions. However, the general principle is not to let the roots sit in water, with a slightly moist but not waterlogged state being the best. This is also the optimal watering plan for orchids that needs to be constantly explored.
Orchids are relatively drought-tolerant plants. They have pseudobulbs that can store water, and their leaves have thick cuticles and sunken stomata, which prevent water loss, allowing them to tolerate temporary drought.
However, for orchids to grow and develop well, they need an adequate amount of water. In areas where orchids grow, the surface soil is always in a slightly moist state, which is the preferred growing condition for orchids and the watering direction that needs to be followed when growing orchids.
The roots of orchids are fleshy aerial roots that grow towards air. Therefore, it is said that in caring for orchids, one should 'prefer moisture but fear dampness' and not water too much. Otherwise, if the growing medium remains moist for too long, the roots can easily rot in standing water.
Sometimes, even in not completely dry conditions, it's okay for the growing medium to be slightly dry. Moist but not damp, and dry but not arid is the best state for growing orchids, especially with a ratio of seven parts dry to three parts moist being ideal.
When watering potted orchids at home, it is essential to keep the growing medium in a moist but not wet state. The choice of growing medium is crucial; it should be well-draining and allow for ventilation without becoming waterlogged.
In the mountains where orchids grow, there is often mist enveloping the area, with moderate rainfall and humid air. In early spring, from February to March, the humidity is relatively low, with a relative humidity of 60% to 70%.
From late spring to late autumn, there is more rainfall, and the mountains are often enveloped in mist, with higher air humidity and a relative humidity of 70% to 80%.
Soil moisture and changes in air humidity are similar and are greatly influenced by topography. In winter, there is less rainfall and the soil moisture content is low; in summer, the opposite is true, with higher soil moisture content. Therefore, watering potted orchids should be adjusted according to seasonal changes.
Of course, orchids grow in different regions with varying temperatures, light exposure, humidity, and different types of orchids also have their own preferences.
Generally speaking, spring orchids, spring swords, and Lianbanlan prefer slightly moist conditions; Jianlan and Hui兰 prefer drier conditions; while Hanlan and Mokulan prefer slightly moist conditions. However, the general principle is not to let the roots sit in water, with a slightly moist but not waterlogged state being the best.
This is also the optimal watering plan for orchid growers that needs to be constantly explored.
That's a comprehensive explanation of how often orchids should be watered. I hope it can serve as a starting point to solve your problems with green plants.