Tips to Water Orchids Right

There is a correct and an incorrect way to water orchids and you must be aware of this in order to properly take care of them. As with all plants, orchids need a proper growing environment to achieve their potential. Maintaining the correct moisture levels and proper watering will help your plants to produce the most striking blooms.

Since the amount of water required for your orchid can vary between different species of orchids, it is important to research your particular plant. It is also important to have some general knowledge about orchids and where they grow naturally.

Tropical climes are the usual homes of the orchid plant. The locations in which numerous orchid plants are found get an incredible amount of rainfall. In addition, an orchid's natural environment may be extremely humid. Orchid plants tend to grow best when the humidity level is kept at approximately 80%. You will need to plan for your orchids in order for them to grow and flourish as a home which is constantly at 80% humidity is not a comfortable home for most people.

An easy way to humidify your orchids is to provide them with a constant supply of water. Many people who are responsible for orchid care will buy a deep saucer and a number of pebbles. Place the rocks in the deep dish. Place your orchid in a pot with holes in the bottom of it atop the rocks. Then add water to the rocks. The water should not be touching the pot with the orchid in it. By doing this you are able to set up an artificial high-humidity climate around your orchids.

Watering the orchid plant too much is a very common mistake among people who try to cultivate this plant. This is due to the assumption of many orchid owners that whenever the potting soil appears dry, it is time to water the plant. In reality, this is not the case and particularly in regard to orchids. The potting soil around the orchid holds the moisture in, even when it looks dry to the naked eye.

The rule of thumb is to water orchids plants once a week or once every other week, sparingly. When growing orchids in your home, you should let the potting bark dry out completely before watering them again. There are species of orchids that, in their natural environment, grow on tree branches and tree trunks. In such a habitat, it is quite usual for the roots to become completely dry before they receive any additional water.

In order to avoid any damage to the cells of the orchid plant, one must utilize water which is lukewarm or at room temperature because water which varies by ten degrees Fahrenheit from room temperature, either above or below, will be harmful to the plant. You must water orchids with water that is comfortable to the touch and is neither too hot nor too cold.

Following a proper schedule of watering and fertilization for your orchids is the best way of ensuring that you will appreciate their alluring beauty for a long time. Following a regimen of correct orchid care, including the proper amount of potting soil, the correct amount of water, the right quantity of sunlight and occasional fertilization, will cause your plant to flourish in your home.

Orchids are exotic, beautiful plants; but they can also be temperamental. However, with a knowledge of proper orchid care you will find that it is not exceedingly difficult to cultivate and enjoy the exotic beauty of these plants. Just keep in mind the correct way to water orchids.

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