How to Determine if an Orchid Is Short of Water
Orchids, as elegant ornamental plants, their water management directly affects their growth condition. This article systematically analyzes the diagnosis methods for orchid water deficiency and scientific treatment plans, helping orchid enthusiasts accurately grasp the watering timing.
Three Key Indicators for Diagnosing Orchid Water Deficiency
1. Pot Weight Test Method
After thorough watering, weigh and record the pot's weight as a benchmark. Then, compare it regularly: when the pot's weight is reduced by 30%, it indicates that the growing medium's water content is below 40%, and timely watering is needed. It is recommended to use an electronic scale for precise measurement, with an error within ±50 grams.
2. Leaf Condition Observation Method
Healthy leaves should naturally stand at a 15-25° angle. When the leaves bend beyond 40°, they enter a water deficiency alert state. Also, pay attention to changes in the leaf surface luster: the normal leaf reflectance is about 60-70%, which drops to below 40% when water deficient, and a professional light meter can be used to assist in the diagnosis.
3. Growing Medium Moisture Test Method
Adopt a layered testing strategy: when the top 5cm of the growing medium turns white, the middle layer should maintain a humidity of 40%-50%; when testing with a bamboo skewer, if there is no wet trace at the bottom 10cm, it indicates that the root layer has completely lost water. It is recommended to use a combination of temperature and humidity meters, increasing the testing frequency when the ambient temperature is above 28°C.
Four-Level Treatment Plan for Orchid Water Deficiency
Mild Water Deficiency Treatment
When the plant shows early signs of water deficiency, use the pot immersion method to water: immerse the pot in 25°C water for 15 minutes to ensure the growing medium absorbs water evenly. After watering, place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area to recover for 24 hours.
Severe Water Deficiency Emergency Treatment
When more than 1/3 of the roots are found to be empty, an immediate root surgery is needed: use a sanitized pair of scissors to trim the necrotic tissue, soak in a solution of root stimulant diluted 1000 times for 2 hours, and then replace the growing medium with a fresh mix (suggested ratio of sphagnum moss to bark: 3:7) and repot.
Daily maintenance suggests maintaining an ambient humidity of 60%-70%, watering every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, and increasing to every 3 days in summer. Through scientific diagnosis and graded treatment, the survival rate of orchids can be effectively increased to over 95%.