Phalaenopsis Watering - How to Water The Moth Orchid

Orchids basically grow on trees. They attach to tree trunks and branches with their roots exposed to the air the absorb nutrients by clinging onto bark and pulling from the air, rain and whatever drips down the tree. This is why many orchids are potted in a very porous, well drained mixture that does not hold water.

Watering a Phalaenopsis is key to their care since they have no major water storage area other then their leaves. Remember they should never "completely" dry out.

Most orchids grown in pots are filled with bark chips, stones, treefern or some other very loose material. Many growers of phals for use indoors use spaghnum moss as their media of choice.

When first bringing your orchid home give it a good and thorough watering. I may be wrong but have yet to see an orchid in stores that was wet. The best place to water your orchid is probably at the kitchen sink. Use luke warm water and water the plant for about 15 seconds and make sure to thoroughly wet the media completely. Allow the plant to drain for about 15 minutes. It may appear dry but it has had enough water - no over watering!

Schedule Watering

During the week check your plant to see if it needs another watering. Plant watering schedules vary depending on the media and the pot size. If your home is very warm or has low humidity you will most likely need to water more often. If the plant has thick roots you can water less since the roots can store water. You can check to see if your plant needs water by pushing your finger about one inch into to media or use a pencil to about the same depth. If it is completely dry you can re-water.

If the roots are in a very wet or moist environment they will begin to rot, and there goes the plant. When watering your phalaenopsis try not to get any water on the flowers themselves. This reduces the life of the bloom. Your plant may be healthy but will have no flowers. A good healthy plant’s blooms should last for many months.

Remember when watering your orchids. Your orchid can withstand periods of forgetfulness and drought better then they can handle over watering.