How often to water an orchid at home: proper watering of a flower, tips and tricks. Watering and spraying orchids at home How to know that an orchid needs to be watered
Looking for information on how to properly water home orchid, it is worth understanding that there are general irrigation rules and its features that are relevant only during the flowering of this plant. To go to the question of watering blooming orchid, you must first familiarize yourself with basic rules care, because without them the issue will not be fully disclosed.
The dependence of the volume of water on the temperature of the room
One rule never loses its relevance: the warmer the room where the plant is located, the more abundant and more often it needs to be watered. However, the pot must have a hole that will allow any excess water to flow out of it. Otherwise, there will be excessive accumulation of liquid in the middle of the container. This is the direct cause of the decay of the rhizome of the plant and its further death.
For those who are wondering how to water an orchid during flowering, this rule is also relevant.
What threatens the orchid with excessive watering?
It has already been said above about the danger of abundant irrigation of orchids. To understand the specific reason for this phenomenon, it is worth studying the characteristics of the plant and metabolic processes in him. For an orchid great importance has her root system. In fact, this is a basic element of life support. As soon as diseases or problems begin in the ear of an orchid, negative changes are displayed throughout the plant. Through the root part, the process of water absorption takes place, without which its further transportation is impossible. If the absorption processes are disturbed, the leaves and flowers slowly wither. As a result, the plant slowly dies. Therefore, despite the fact that the most beautiful part of an orchid is its flowers, in care it is necessary to pay the most attention to the root.
The consistency of the orchid substrate as the main indicator of its condition
The substrate in which the orchid grows must be completely dry at the time of watering. IN this case do not focus on any specific number of days, because here everything is individual. No authoritative source will give a universal answer to the question of how much to water an orchid. The owner of the flower should himself keep the state of the substrate under control.
At the same time, it is important to understand that the orchid, being a very “capricious” plant in terms of care, this week can dry out its breed in 6 days, and the next - in three. When cloudy days begin, it is likely that this period of time will even drag on to twenty. Moreover, this trend is completely independent of the flowering of the described representative of the flora. Thus, how much to water an orchid, you will understand for yourself.
The total weight of the pot is an indicator of the presence of water in it
People who already have excess experience share one curious observation: dry upper layer the substrate in which it grows cannot be considered an indicator that the plant needs another watering. It often happens that the top of the rock has dried up, but the lower layers contain a sufficient amount of moisture. This is worth considering when looking for an answer to the question of during flowering.
It is necessary that watering occurs already when the entire substrate has dried out. Its drying is influenced by factors such as:
- the general air temperature in the room where the orchid is located;
- the illumination of the place where the flower pot stands;
- humidity in the room.
To determine whether it is time to water the orchid, you should pick up a pot. If it turns out to be light, the plant requires watering. If not, then the dry upper layer of the substrate still does not say anything, there is a sufficient amount of water in its lower layers. Remember: the orchid is watered only when, when all its substance has dried up.
In the case when it is difficult to figure out how many times to water an orchid, there is an even easier way to determine the moisture content of the earth than observing weight. Lightly scratch the soil in which this representative of the flora grows from the side with your finger to understand the degree of its moisture content. However, do this carefully so as not to damage the plant itself.
How to water during flowering?
First of all, speaking about watering this type of orchid, like Phalaenopsis, you should know how it should not be handled in any case. Never spray a flower so that water penetrates into the core between the leaves. This will provoke the processes of decay in the plant. As for the conditions of abundant lighting, then watering the flowers and leaves under them can lead to a burn of the plant. It is associated with fast
When answering the question of how to water an orchid during flowering, it is worth mentioning the opinion that flowers should not be wetted, since such actions destroy them. When the plant does not bloom, a hot shower with a temperature of up to fifty-two degrees is recommended for it. Such measures mimic natural conditions, and therefore they are optimally suited for orchids.
However, the reader may wonder how this statement relates to the one mentioned above regarding that it is not recommended to allow water to enter the core. Everything is simple here. After a “hot shower”, those who insist on its usefulness advise removing accumulations of water formed between the leaves in the axils with a handkerchief or napkin.
How to water an orchid during flowering: general rules
Speaking about how to water an orchid during flowering, it is necessary to take into account the place where it grows. The general rules are:
- if the orchid grows in a pot, water its substrate abundantly, allowing all the water to drain out after that. The necessary amount of life-giving liquid will remain, and the excess will go away along with various unnecessary substances of the earth: salts, etc.;
- for orchids growing on a block (piece of bark or twigs), use the soaking technique. Immerse the plant completely in water so that the flowers remain on the surface. This allows you to enrich the rhizome with water, but protect yourself from rotting the entire orchid due to the ingress of liquid into the core. The block should be in the water for fifteen minutes;
- as for the hanging orchid, we remove it and dip the roots into a container filled with warm water. It is very important to remember that cobs should be immersed in water carefully. They are naturally quite dry, and therefore, in case of careless handling, they can break. It takes fifteen minutes for the rhizome of the plant to absorb moisture. Then we take it out of the water, gently shake it off and hang it in its usual place.
Proper care is the key to orchid health
When thinking about how to water an orchid during flowering, remember that this plant is quite whimsical. Therefore, do not overdo it with water in the substrate, and also protect the flowers from direct moisture.
All green plants need watering. But how to water an orchid at home, which, on the one hand, is moisture-loving, and on the other, is used to growing not in the usual soil, but on stones or tree branches?
Most of the orchids that adorn the indoor collections of flower growers are epiphytes from the tropical regions of Asia, Australia and America. In nature, such plants, not finding a sufficient amount of nutrient soil, were forced to adapt to receive the main amount of minerals and water from the meager soil deposits on tree trunks and from the atmosphere. In the tropics, orchids satisfy their entire need for moisture thanks to frequent and heavy rains. And at home, natural precipitation should replace watering.
How to water an orchid? Does the plant have specific water requirements for its roots?
Water quality for watering orchids
The quality of water, namely its composition and temperature, largely determines the well-being of a houseplant. If in the open air the rainwater that the orchid receives contains almost no mineral salts or acids, then in the moisture that has passed through the water pipes, you can find the entire periodic table, complex inorganic compounds, organics and even microflora. Such a rich “cocktail”, falling on the roots of the flower and on pieces of the substrate, settles and can have the most unpredictable, but rather negative, effect on the plant.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is recommended to use soft purified water for watering orchids. Before watering an orchid at home, all impurities potentially dangerous to the flower should be removed from the moisture.
For this purpose, ordinary boiling is used, during which:
- volatile chlorine compounds present in tap water evaporate;
- salts precipitate, forming that familiar whitish coating on the ground and the surface of the flower pot;
- microflora is destroyed;
- the concentration of iron compounds decreases.
Settling will not give such a result, since at ordinary room temperature it takes considerable time, and the microflora will only manifest itself in full force, causing the formation of a green suspension of algae or a cloudy film on the surface.
But the water filtered with the help of modern household filters is perfect for watering orchids and other indoor flowers. The residual content of mineral substances in it is so negligible that it does not affect the health of plants, and all dangerous impurities are quickly and effectively removed.
If the grower does not have the opportunity to boil or filter the required volume of water, it is possible to reduce the concentration of calcium unnecessary for the plant by acidifying the liquid. This is done with a small amount of oxalic acid or by passing through a layer of high-moor peat.
The main thing is that the moisture obtained after processing does not acquire increased acidity.
Using distilled water when watering orchids
Interested in how to properly water an orchid at home, lovers of these spectacular plants often ask about the use of distilled water. The degree of purification of distilled water is very high, but using such a liquid for watering an orchid is excessive and wrong. So clean water you can take:
- for breeding liquid dressings;
- for crown irrigation;
- for washing the root system and soil from excess salts.
In this case, it can be guaranteed that after watering the orchid and other hygiene procedures, there will be no unpleasant whitish spots on the foliage and roots.
But to heat the irrigation moisture to room temperature go a little higher - extremely helpful. To moisten the substrate of phalaenopsis, the most unpretentious and popular orchids among flower growers, for example, water of 30–35 ° C is required.
How to water an orchid?
Unfortunately, it is not proper watering orchids most often leads to weakening and death flowering plants. A significant amount of moisture can accumulate in the succulent rhizomes, foliage or pseudobulbs of orchids, so plants tolerate skipping watering without visible harm.
Excess water, especially its stagnation in a pot, inevitably leads to the formation of foci of rot on the roots. Losing the opportunity to eat, the orchid weakens and may die.
If the orchid at home does not experience strong temperature changes and is shaded from direct sun rays The plant can be watered at any time of the day. When the content of the flower provides for night coolness, it is better to transfer the moisturizing procedure to the morning. Behind daytime the substrate will dry out, and by night the orchid will be in comfortable, safe conditions for it.
How often to water an orchid at home in order to protect the plant from both lack of nutrition and the risk of waterlogging? The frequency of watering depends on:
- from the time of year;
- from the life cycle of the plant;
- on temperature and humidity in the room;
- on the characteristics of the method of growing orchids and the substrate used.
How to water an orchid during flowering and the rest period following it? During the active growing season, plants on average need to be watered 2-3 times a week. As soon as a peduncle appears above the rosette of leaves, it is necessary to moisten the soil more often, which is explained by the growing needs of the plant. But when the flowers wither and the colored zone at the ends of the rhizomes decreases, the frequency of watering is halved and the substrate dries up between procedures.
You should not water if drops of condensate are visible inside the pot between pieces of soil, and the roots themselves are wet.
Throughout the year, the orchid receives the same portions of water, only the frequency of watering changes. And you can determine the need to moisten the substrate not only by touch, but also by the weight of the pot with the plant. Dried soil is much lighter than wet soil.
Ways to water orchids at home
Some orchids grow successfully in a nutritious loose substrate, there are many species that prefer a coarse-grained mixture of bark, coal, moss and expanded clay. And some homemade orchids do without a traditional pot at all. How to water orchids with such different habits at home? The peculiarity of the growth and nutrition of orchids determines the variety of ways to water them.
Watering orchids from a watering can and under running water
With all the unusualness of plants with thick roots, and striving to get out of the pot, orchids growing in the substrate can be watered with conventional watering can. We apply the method to orchids that do without soil at all.
Watering is carried out very carefully, trying to ensure that moisture evenly falls on the entire surface of the soil or parts of the root system, but in no case accumulates inside the rosette of leaves. The procedure is continued until water flows out of the drainage holes. Then she is allowed to drain, and after a few minutes another 2 to 4 waterings are carried out.
At the end of watering, the orchids are dried, removing accidentally spilled liquid from the leaves, axillary buds and from the center of the outlet with a napkin, cotton pad or cotton swab.
Immersion of an orchid in water
The method is suitable for healthy epiphyte orchids and can be used both for moisturizing and for top dressing if liquid fertilizer is added to the water.
The pot is placed in a container with warm water so that its edge is slightly above the liquid level, and the foliage and stem do not get wet. The time of exposure to moisture penetrating through the slots and drainage holes, depends on the type of plant, its size and time of year. It is optimal if for the first time the pot will stay in the water for 5-10 minutes. Then it is removed, excess moisture is allowed to drain and, if necessary, the procedure is repeated. After such watering, it is important to make sure that there are no accumulations of water in the soil.
Spraying the root system of an orchid
For orchids grown without a substrate at all, the root system is irrigated with warm soft water from a spray bottle as irrigation. Droplets falling on the roots should be as small as possible, which will accelerate their absorption and not harm the tissues.
A video on how to water an orchid will be a good help for beginner flower growers who have only recently discovered the diverse world of these luxurious plants.
Watering orchids by soaking in water - video
The orchid has many fans, so flower growers know what this plant looks like. In the minds of most, this is very beautiful flower, which rises on a thin, fragile stem.
However, growing this flower in an apartment is not so easy, because there are many different nuances. Although this does not stop many, since the desire to enjoy the natural sophistication, sensuality and subtle fragility of the orchid often takes over.
Features of watering orchids at home
In the process of care, many flower growers are faced with problems regarding the correct watering of orchids in a pot. Not everyone knows how often this needs to be done and what kind of water is best to use.
However, this event is very important, because it largely determines how beautiful the orchid will turn out. Is it possible not to know the rules for watering an orchid in a pot and to carry out this event with violations, then the plant may in a couple of months wither and die.
According to novice flower growers, the orchid is one of the most difficult plants to grow at home.
And, although it needs to provide a lot of favorable conditions for normal development, appropriate care gives confidence that the orchid will be able to bloom profusely even on the windowsill.
If a novice florist takes up the matter, then, as a rule, he, without having the necessary knowledge, conducts frequent and plentiful watering. However, doing it wrong because too much water can cause root rot.
Therefore, the harm from waterlogging is often more detrimental than a lack of moisture. Thus, it is important to know how often to water an orchid.
The first thing that every grower needs to understand is that when determining the frequency of watering, it is necessary to proceed from the rate at which moisture evaporates from the soil. A misconception is the opinion of those flower growers who believe that it is enough for an orchid to water once a week.
In each case, moisture will evaporate from the soil in a pot with different speed. To determine it, it is necessary take into account many factors: illumination, pot size, humidity level, air temperature.
What water to water orchids
No indoor plant can live without water, so it largely determines how long it will bloom and bring aesthetic pleasure to its owners.
For plants, water is important because with it they receive nutrients, as well as the ability to maintain optimal temperature roots. In vivo intake nutrients orchid provides rainwater.
However, it is no secret to anyone that under the conditions modern cities the liquid that comes during rainfall is not as safe as the water that rains bring in rainforests.
Hardness of water
To an ordinary person It is extremely difficult to determine how hard water is. But there is a way available to everyone that allows you to find out.
This can be determined by the amount of scale formed when boiling water in the kettle - the more it is, the harder the water is.
An effective hard water softener is oxalic acid, which can be purchased at flower shops. For this tool to work, you must adhere to the following scheme:
- in 5 liters cold water it is necessary to dilute 1/8 teaspoon of oxalic acid;
- after this, the liquid must be allowed to stand for a day;
- further, the water is filtered or the liquid is drained, trying not to touch the sediment at the bottom of the container.
An alternative to the above remedy is high-moor peat: for this, it is placed in a bag, which, in turn, is immersed in water and left in it overnight. This tool is also beneficial because it increases the acidity of the water.
To normalize the hardness of distilled water, it is recommended to add an equal amount of distilled water to it. The fact is that as a result of the distillation procedure, important minerals are removed from the water.
You can also restore the level of water hardness using water filter. Its regular use allows you to remove harmful bacteria, fungi and heavy metals from it.
Water acidity level and optimum temperature
So that the orchid in the process of care does not deliver you big problems and bloomed profusely, it is very important to maintain the acidity of the water at pH = 5.
The easiest way to determine acidity is to use litmus paper. If you find that the level of acidity is too high, you can use lemon juice, a couple of drops of which are added to water.
The orchid will grow well if it is watered. room temperature water. It is best absorbed if the water is heated to a temperature of 35-40 degrees.
Ways to water orchids
In addition to addressing the key issues associated with watering orchids at home, it is equally important to know how to do it right.
Although known multiple watering methods this houseplant, however, it is possible to provide the orchid with the necessary amount of moisture only through soldering.
"Hot shower". It is this method that is most often used by gardeners when caring for an orchid. This is due to the fact that it is as close as possible to the effect that warm tropical rains create.
Using this method of watering speeds up the process of gaining green mass by plants, which has a positive effect on their flowering. Also useful regularly wash the leaves of the plant, as this helps to prevent the appearance of various pests.
However, it should be borne in mind that this method of watering orchids can only be used by owners of apartments where water pipes flowing soft water. Briefly describe the essence of this irrigation method, then it consists of the following:
- The flower must be transferred to the bathroom, where they begin to water it with a weak stream of warm water using a shower head. It is important to set the appropriate water temperature, which should be 40-52 degrees.
- When determining the duration of watering, it is necessary to proceed from how much time it takes for the soil to absorb water. After watering, you need to let the plant stand for 10-15 minutes in the bathroom. This will allow excess liquid to drain.
- After an hour, it is necessary to remove drops of moisture from the leaves using a dry cotton cloth or paper towel for this purpose. This is done so that no excess fluid remains on the axils of the leaves.
For example, the leaves began to become covered with salt deposits, forming white spots or stains. You can deal with them by wiping the leaves with a cloth, which must first be moistened in beer or lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio.
Immersion of an orchid in water and watering with a watering can
Perhaps some flower growers who grow an orchid at home will be interested in full immersion method vase with a flower in the water. After watering, you need to pull the pot out of the water and let it stand to excess fluid could drain.
Usually, if the orchid has been in the water for 30 seconds, then you need to let it stand for the same amount of time for the water to drain completely.
By using this irrigation method, water wastage can be avoided. But it can be used in relation to only those flowers in which the substrate and the flower itself do not show signs of damage and disease.
Watering with a watering can. For this method of watering, a watering can is required, which is filled with prepared water, and then they begin to pour it in a thin stream over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe substrate. Care must be taken to ensure that the water does not affect the growing points of the orchid and leaf axils.
Stop watering at the moment when the liquid begins to flow from the lower holes of the pot. After waiting a certain time necessary for the excess liquid to drain, one more watering should be carried out.
Finally, all excess water is drained from the pan. Watering the orchid in this way is recommended in the morning.
Root spraying. This method can be used to water plants for which blocks are used instead of soil. Since the roots of such plants lose moisture much faster, they need to be watered more often.
It is recommended to spray in the first half of the day. Then the roots will have enough time to dry. Best effect when using a spray gun, it is achieved if watering is carried out with the “fog” mode turned on.
How to water an orchid during flowering
You need to be especially careful when watering plants entering the flowering phase, since there are some nuances here.
The orchid equally attracts the attention of not only experienced, but also beginner gardeners. Therefore, it is no coincidence that it is considered one of the most popular houseplants.
However, everyone can grow it, because it is enough to familiarize yourself with the rules for planting and caring for a plant so that you can enjoy its flowering every year.
Among all the activities that proper care for an orchid, special attention should be paid to watering. There is a bunch of important nuances concerning the choice of suitable water, time and method of irrigation.
All these points can greatly affect how well an orchid will grow and bloom.
Foreword
The question of how often you need to water an orchid is almost the most disturbing for all owners of this plant, because this stage of caring for it is very different from caring for familiar plants. What's in it?
How to water an orchid?
Orchid is an extremely delicate and sensitive flower. To care for this plant, proper watering is very important, in the absence of which it will first cease to please you with its lush bloom, and then completely wither. This process consists of many specific subtleties, because the methods of moisturizing, which are quite suitable for other types of indoor plants, are simply contraindicated for orchids. There are several basic methods for the proper watering of this flower. Let's consider them in more detail.
immersion method. For watering in this way, take a bucket or a deep basin and fill it with warm water. Now lower the houseplant pot into the container so that it is completely submerged in the liquid. Such a bath procedure for an orchid can last about half an hour. After this time, remove the plant and let the water drain from the leaves. This irrigation method is extremely convenient and saves both time and water. However, it can only be used if the flower does not have any damage or disease.
The watering method is the simplest and most common method of watering orchids. It is recommended to make it in the afternoon. Thin streams of water should moisten the entire area on which the plant is located. It is important that the liquid does not end up on its leaves. Water the soil until the excess begins to come out of the special holes in the bottom of the pot.
Root spraying is suitable for orchids growing on blocks. Fill a spray bottle with room temperature water and spray the plant roots thoroughly. This procedure is recommended to be carried out before lunch.
Methodology warm shower was invented in order to maximize the effect of tropical showers, familiar to the growth of orchids. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the plant, promotes its growth and frequent flowering. And it is carried out extremely simply. Place a pot in the bottom of your tub and spray the plant with a gentle shower jet warm water. It is recommended to arrange procedures several times during the month, and their duration can be up to fifteen minutes. At the end of the process, to remove excess liquid, the leaves of the plant must be wiped with a piece of dry soft tissue.
What water and how often should you water your homemade orchid?
If you water an orchid ordinary water from the tap, then this tropical and rather pampered plant will quickly fade away and, of course, will not please you with colorful flowering. Therefore, caring owners need to take care of the quality of water to moisten the orchid. In doing so, pay attention to the following parameters:
- temperature for watering - should be about thirty-five degrees, it can be higher, but not lower, since the plant is extremely thermophilic;
- acidity level (pH) - should not exceed 5, it can be reduced by adding lemon juice to the water;
- softness - tap water it has a fairly high rigidity, which is detrimental to orchids; it can be softened with oxalic acid (0.5 tsp per 5 l of water) or with a cleaning filter.
It is almost impossible to give an unambiguous answer how many times a week or a month an orchid needs to be watered. The mode and frequency is selected individually. This is primarily due to the rate of drying of the soil, substrate, as well as the root system of the flower. And it depends on a number of other related factors. These include:
- degree of illumination;
- pot sizes;
- air temperature;
- substrate size - it is believed that a large substrate dries faster, and a small one retains moisture longer;
- the degree of exposure to sunlight;
- general level of humidity;
- Atmosphere pressure;
- the composition of the substrate - for example, sphagnum moss or coconut crumbs retain moisture much better than, say, pine bark.
You can create an individual watering schedule with the help of careful observation of the orchid. Make sure that the soil base does not dry out, and the earth always remains slightly moist. However, experienced flower growers say that overflowing for an orchid is more terrible than underfilling. With excessive moisture, the roots of the plant begin to rot, which leads to its imminent death. To determine that a flower needs watering, you can use a simple test. Touch the soil in which your indoor orchid grows with your finger. If the soil remains dry at a depth of three centimeters, this means that it is dry and the plant needs to be moistened.
General rules and features of watering
Experienced growers have identified a number of general rules For . For example, in a warm room with dry air, the plant should be watered more often than when low temperatures and high humidity. And on especially hot days, it is also recommended to spray orchid leaves from a spray bottle and humidify the air in the room. In general, humidification in the summer months should be more intense and frequent than in winter.
I would like to determine after how many days it is better to water the orchid, but here even experts give a very vague answer. On average, it should be watered once every 5–13 days, focusing primarily on the degree of soil moisture. Irrigation should be fairly rare, but plentiful. Orchids that grow in big pot, it is recommended to water less often than others. This is due to the fact that moisture in a large container lingers longer. And since excess moisture is detrimental to the root system of plants, you should definitely make small holes in the bottom of the pot through which excess liquid will come out.
To regulate humidity, you can put a couple of centimeters of expanded clay on the bottom of the tank - a special substance that has the ability to absorb a large amount of water, and then give it away.
An orchid in a clay pot should be watered less frequently than a plant in a plastic container. This is due to the fact that in plastic pot the soil dries unevenly, as if from top to bottom. At the same time, the top layer of the substrate may seem dry, but there is still enough moisture below. Water during irrigation should never fall on the flowers. And during the intensive growth of the stem, the plant needs more frequent and abundant moisture.
Whims of different varieties of orchids and at the flowering stage
Watering frequency room orchid largely related to the variety and variety of this plant. Large orchids in large tubs are recommended to be watered approximately once every 10 days. miniature varieties plants should be moistened after 2-3 days. Epiphytes grow on blocks, practically without soil - they should be moistened by daily spraying of the roots. In addition, once a week, the block itself should be moistened with water and sprayed with water from a spray bottle in the air.
The fragmipedium variety needs permanently waterlogged soil. Therefore, it is recommended to water this type of orchid every day. Varieties such as Miltoniopsis, Paphiopedilum, Vanda, Vulstekear feel good with a sufficiently moist substrate. Watering orchids of these species should be done after 5-7 days. Care for epidendrum and ludisia depends on the time of year. The presented varieties need intensive moisture during the spring and summer period, but in the autumn and winter months, you should switch to a moderate irrigation regime.
Orchids of such varieties as encyclia, celogina, brassia, catlea need abundant weekly irrigation, regardless of external circumstances. However, such plants need to dry thoroughly between waterings. Phalaenopsis - perfect grade for beginner orchid lovers. You can determine its need for moisture by the color of the roots. While they are green, the flower does not need irrigation. Dendrobium orchid varieties are watered only in case of extreme drying of the soil.
Watering this type of plant, like calantha, has a pronounced seasonal character. So, in the spring and summer months, there is a period rapid flowering orchids. At this time, the flower needs daily irrigation. In autumn, when the plant sheds its leaves, watering stops for about a month and a half and resumes with the appearance of the first green shoots.
During the flowering period, orchids in most cases require more frequent and intense moisture. The frequency of watering increases by almost 2 times, and on average they are desirable after 3-4 days. For the well-being of the orchid, it is very important that water does not end up on its leaves and flowers. To prevent this from happening, pour water from a watering can, directing the jet directly to the roots of the plant. The best time to water a blooming orchid is in the morning.
Orchids have been at the top of the list of houseplants for several years now. This is the most "gifted" plant. Therefore, often an orchid falls under the care of a person who is very far from floriculture and who has a very vague idea of \u200b\u200bhow to grow it correctly. , an orchid is able to grow at home and delight us for many years. This maintenance is simple and hassle free. Minor deviations from the rules of care do not cause significant harm to the plant. But, alas, as sad statistics show, almost half of the donated orchids die after the first flowering. The reasons for this are different, but they are all the result of ignorance of the rules of care or their careless implementation. Absolute leadership among these violations belongs to improper watering.
Orchids cannot be watered like others houseplants! As is known, in natural environment orchids grow on the bark of trees, stumps. That is, not in the ground. Therefore, the substrate in which orchids are grown consists mainly of tree bark, and it accumulates moisture very weakly and dries quickly. This misleads its inexperienced owner, provokes the next watering. As a result, waterlogging and problems associated with it.
When and how often to water orchids
Let me clarify first. Among orchids, there is also a pronounced leader - phalaenopsis. It is he who is most often presented as a gift. More exotic ones, and others, are significantly inferior to phalaenopsis in terms of “acquisition and gift”. Therefore, we will consider the rules for watering orchids using his example.
First of all, it should be noted that the frequency of watering orchids at home will depend on factors such as air temperature, humidity, substrate composition, pot volume, life cycle and time of year.
External primary signs of the need for watering orchids are:
- The roots of the plant have acquired a pale green or white shade. Under normal watering, they should be green.
- The walls of the pot are dry. If they have even the smallest droplets of moisture, they should not be watered.
- The orchid pot is very light.
- You can carefully lower a dry stick into the pot and check the moisture in its depth.
- With prolonged drying.
Note! Dry pieces of bark on the surface of the pot are not a reason for the next watering.
The frequency of watering also depends on the time of year. Usually in the summer, orchids are watered once a week, but not more than twice a month.
Water for watering orchids
For regular watering, you can not use water taken immediately from the tap. At a minimum, it should be defended. But even this is not enough. Ideally, water for watering orchids should be boiled or passed through a filter. The presence of salts, iron compounds and chlorine in its composition is highly undesirable. To soften the water and make it more suitable for irrigation, you can use peat. To do this, you need to take a handful of riding (sour) peat, wrap it in a napkin and lower it into a container of water (about 3 liters) for 10-12 hours. Oxalic acid is also used to soften water.
Note! Water for watering orchids must be warm.
Watering orchids at home - ways
Immersion
The most efficient and common way. If possible, purchase a special container for watering orchids that matches the pot size of your plant. In fact, this is the same pot, but without drainage holes. When using it, you will avoid floating and tipping over the plant pot. In the absence of such a container, you can use any other container of a suitable size. The orchid pot is lowered into it so that the water level is one centimeter below the top edge of the pot. Usually 10-15 minutes are enough for the substrate to be saturated with moisture. A sign of this will be the appearance of moisture on its upper layer. After that, the pot must be removed from the water and allowed to drain all the moisture. During such irrigation, you can also feed orchids by dissolving fertilizer in water.
Top watering (using a watering can)
This method is also used. But care must be taken when using it. Do not allow water to enter the axils of the leaves. Its accumulation can cause rotting of the orchid leaf. For watering, it is better to use a watering can with a long thin spout. Watering is done in several steps. Water flows until it starts to flow through the drainage holes. Then a break for a couple of minutes, and the procedure is repeated. And so 3-4 times. Drain the water that has flowed into the pan.
Irrigation with running water (warm shower)
This is the case when watering from the tap is allowed. But only if this method is not permanent, but is used only occasionally. Otherwise use should use garden watering can. This method of watering orchids is the closest to natural, as it imitates rain. In addition to moistening the substrate and the roots of the plant, dust is washed off the leaves, possible pests and other crap. It also encourages leaf growth. Watering is best done in a bath, but you can put a pot with a plant in a basin if you water with a watering can. Water for irrigation should be warm, sometimes even hot 40-50 degrees are used. Watering the orchid continues until the substrate is saturated with moisture. After that, the water from the pot is allowed to drain and the orchid is left in a shaded place for 30-40 minutes. Then be sure to wipe the leaves with a dry cloth, but the main thing is to remove all moisture from the leaf axils.
Root spraying
This method is unlikely to be useful to beginner growers. It is used for orchids that are grown open way without the use of a substrate. In this case, a spray gun with a very fine spray of water is used. With his help, the roots of the orchid, fixed on the bearing surface, are plentifully irrigated.
Watering orchids after purchase
This point deserves special attention. The fact is that in most cases phalaenopsis, which are sold in flower shops, have a specific soil composition. In addition to the obligatory bark and sphagnum moss, they may contain anything that contributes to giving and maintaining the presentation of the plant. After all, we understand that the main thing for a merchant is to sell, and what will happen next is our headache. Most often, in the composition of the substrate, one can find such moisture accumulators, called “sponzhiki”, “washcloths”, “sponges” among flower growers, which they, in fact, are. These are the pieces synthetic material, which absorbs a large amount of water and allows long time do not water the orchid, which is important during transportation and mass storage. There is nothing particularly terrible in this. The material is synthetic, therefore, does not rot and decompose. But its danger lies in the fact that the irrigation schedule in this case changes dramatically. It is very difficult to determine the absence or presence of moisture in such a "battery". And their very existence may be questionable. Conscientious sellers always warn that there is a sponge in the substrate. Otherwise, it may turn out to be an unpleasant surprise. Experienced flower growers after buying any plants, and after two weeks of quarantine, they are transplanted into fresh soil. But not every lover can do this, and it is not advisable to do this during flowering. Therefore, when buying, be sure to ask the seller about the presence of such surprises. And if they are, then all watering should be carried out less than one and a half to two times. In any case - after purchase, place the orchid separately from other plants (if any) and quarantine for 7-10 days. Watering is not required at this time. Then you can start watering. I advise the first watering with boiled or distilled water. It is better to use the immersion method. And repeat it several times, changing the water. This will wash out unwanted salts from the soil. Of course, the fertilizers with which they were fertilized by manufacturers and sellers will also go away. But you don't need them. Usually, these are very strong stimulants that deplete the plant. It is better to buy high-quality fertilizer and use it.
That's actually all the basic rules for watering orchids. But, there will also be a considerable number of nuances that will already be inherent in your particular plant, and here everything will depend on you. Try different ways and decide which one is best for you and your plant. Observe the plant and substrate. It won't be too long before you can accurately determine when and how to water your orchids.
How to water orchids - video
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