╨╧рб▒с>■  &'■   %                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ▄еhcр e╘0РI╘-@J@JJAJAJAJAы0░A░A░A░A░A░A ║A(░A╠H1тAтAтAтAтAтAтAтAuEwEwEwE;▓E~0G~оH¤HXUI;╠HJAтAтAтAтAтA╠H4EJAJAтAтA4E4E4EтARJAтAJAтAuEАгЇA╒╖╝JA&pA@JAJAJAJAтAuE4EA4E Vivi's Orchid Corner - August 1997 a friendly, informative orchid column

Vivi's Orchid Corner

August 1997; Article 20

Watering Your Orchids

Dear Orchid Friends:

Proper watering is one of the most essential elements for healthy orchids. Damage to orchids is usually a result of overwatering. Orchids require proper amounts of water, good drainage and ventilation.

When and How Should I Water?
Various kinds of orchids require different watering patterns. Here are some general pointers to consider when establishing when and how to water your orchids:

  • Learn to observe and test for dryness.
    Prior to watering, pick up the pot to check its weight. A lighter pot indicates the potting medium is drier while a heavier pot means the medium is still wet. Water when you are certain your plants need it. If you are unsure, wait another day. With practice, you will have a feel for watering needs by assessing your plants and picking them up.
  • Another technique to test for dryness is to feel the medium.
    The surface may be drier than the medium inside the pot. This is normal. Gently place your finger inside the pot to test for moisture. Remember to use a clean finger! Water when the medium inside is on the dry side.
  • Water thoroughly.
    Let the water run through the pot. This helps to ensure the entire medium and roots have received sufficient water and allows for proper drainage. A thorough drenching of the plant and medium will also prevent the accumulation of fertilizer salts.
  • Allow plants to dry out between waterings.
    Certainly some varieties like varying degrees of moisture. Know your plants. When you do water, allow your plants to "approach dryness". This provides for better air exchange in the medium and keeps the roots from suffocation caused by too much moisture. If the surface and medium are not allowed to dry out sufficiently, the roots may be deprived of oxygen. Plants are more susceptible to infestation or disease when overwatered.
  • It is better to err on the dry side than to overwater.
    Never let your plants sit in a puddle of water.
  • Plant medium is an important element to consider when determining watering needs.
    The medium in which the plant is grown greatly impacts the watering schedule. Bark retains more moisture than lava rock and sphagnum moss holds water much longer than other mediums. Plants in sphagnum moss can be watered approximately once a week dependent on the type of plant. Check your plants before watering.
  • Group similar plants together.
    Grouping similar kinds of orchids together (i.e., phalaenopsis, cattleyas) helps to establish a more uniform watering schedule. Like plants will have like watering needs. This also helps to provide correct lighting, temperature factors for the particular orchid alliances.
  • Consider the size of your pots
    when grouping orchids since smaller pots dry out faster than larger pots. Clay pots dry out quicker than plastic pots so your watering frequency will vary according to your pot type. Hanging baskets and mounted orchids dry out faster than potted plants and will require more frequent waterings.
  • Climate is an important factor.
    Warm temperatures and bright sunlight contribute to faster drying as does dry air with low humidity. You may need to water more frequently in the hotter, summer months and can cut back on the watering frequency in winter. Remember to spritz/spray your plants when the air is dry to provide humidity. Plants exposed to salt air require nearly daily misting of teretes, leaves to help prevent dehydration and excess salt buildup on the leaves.
  • Understand the plant cycle.
    Orchids have various rest cycles after flowering or during certain seasons. Some will require a period of greater dryness when in a resting or dormant stage. Newly potted plants should be kept on the dry side to promote new root growth and prevent root rot. Do provide humidity to newly potted plants.
  • Insufficient watering can also damage plants.
    It is easier to increase the watering frequency than it is to "undo" a soggy medium. If the plant leaves or pseudobulbs are shriveled and withered, this is an indication your plant is not getting enough water which will stunt its growth . Dehydration will also cause the plant to die.

Frequency of watering is dependent on so many different variables: types of orchids, potting medium, your location. Thus it is difficult to provide an absolute watering schedule for you to follow. It is important that you learn the general care instructions of the particular orchids you have for a basic understanding of their needs. If an orchid is not doing well, move it to a new location, change the watering schedule, or give it more light. Observe your orchids and get a feel for how much water they really need. Orchids are better able to withstand periods of dryness than overwatering. Consider proper light, appropriate temperatures as well. These elements in conjunction with a watering regime promote healthy orchids. **Remember, it is better to err on the dry side.**

Hope these watering tips are helpful.

Until next time,

Vivi

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Review my July 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Restrepia Culture.
Review my June 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article The Fairy Orchid.
Review my May 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Brassavolas.
Review my April 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Wonderful Orchids.
Review my March 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchids in Bloom.
Review my February 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article The Lure of Orchids.
Review my January 1997 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Masdevalias.
Review my December 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Brazilian Orchid Adventures.
Review my November 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article 15th World Orchid Conference.
Review my Sept/Oct 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Helpful Orchid Definitions.
Review my August 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Vandaceous Orchids.
Review my July 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Summer Survival.
Review my June 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchid Habitats.
Review my May 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Cattleyas.
Review my April 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchids Galore!.
Review my March 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating Vanilla.
Review my February 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating an Interest in Orchids.
Review my January 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Phaelonopsis Culture.
Review my December 1995 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Dendrobium Culture.

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