orchids are intriguing: how to water orchids

• Lessons on how to water orchids: Do what I say, not what I did!
• Watering orchids is the most important aspect of orchid plant care.
• You can successfully grow orchids. Learn from my mishaps.

Orchids are intriguing, but my first two orchids CROAKED.

Correct watering was the first thing I had to learn about orchid care. I killed some on the way until I learned how to water and fertilize orchids correctly.

Later I had a whole greenhouse full of orchids and won blue ribbons at the shows.

If you have a few plants CROAK on the way - don't worry you are in good company.

My first orchid was a beautiful Cattleya

how to water orchids -  lesson 1

My first orchid was a lovely Cattleya orchid. We lived in central Florida and the landlady offered to hang it in the branches of her large oak tree.

She was familiar with taking care of orchids and was pleased to take charge while we was busy working.

It flowered and prospered under her tree.

When we moved away into a very small house, I had no place to put it inside. So I decided because it had done so well outside that I would plant it outside under a tree.

It didn't make it thru the summer before IT CROAKED!

how to water orchids -  lesson 2

A few years later, I got a lovely Lady Slipper. With the second orchid I made more boo-boos on watering orchids.

I told someone that I didn't know how to take care of orchids. They made a suggestion.

Lady Slippers need constant moisture.

They told me, "Let it dry out before you water it." I felt guilty because I had already watered it once.

epiphyte and Terrestrial orchids

How we water orchids depends upon what type of orchid they are.

epiphytic orchids

Epiphytic orchids live up in trees. Occasionally they may live on rocks.

They do not take any nutrients from their host trees. They get their nutrients from the air, water and debris that collects on them.

Cattleyas have pseudobulbs to store water.

This type of orchid would often go without water in their natural habitat. They also receive more sun which causes them to dry out faster.

Epiphyte orchids have adapted themselves to their growing environment. In nature this type of orchid would have dry periods without regular water.

They have grown enlarged stems called pseudobulbs. The enlarged stems allow the orchid to store extra water. They also have heavy, thick leaves to keep the orchid from transpiring excessive water.

Examples are; cattleyas, oncidiums and dendrobiums.

Terrestrial orchids

 Terrestrials generally live on the ground in the soil and organic matter. They get their water and nutrients from the soil.

Lady Slipper orchids have only leaves.

This type of orchid does not normally go without water in their natural habitat. They also receive less sun in the dappled shade under the trees.

Terrestrial orchids have only leaves. Their leaves are thinner and they transpire water faster.

They live where they get regular water. Their roots are able to store a certain amount of water. But they have no pseudobulbs to store extra water.

Examples are; paphiopedilum, called Lady Slippers and phaleanopsis.

water is the most important item in orchid care

Both of my lessons in orchid care were about how to water orchids.

Many people think that more water is better. That's not true.

It is better to err on the side of not enough water, instead of too much. That's good orchid care for beginners.

The correct amount of water is better.

Orchids can't live or function without water. They need water to carry their nutrients around in the plant. They also use water for turgidity to hold themselves upright.

how to water orchids

Watering depends on the type of orchid. Terrestrial orchids are watered more often than epiphytic orchids.

Terrestrial orchids need to stay moderately moist, but not soggy.

Epiphytic orchids must dry out between waterings.

Water orchids when they are dry on top of the potting mix.

Pick up the pot and feel the weight of the pot. It should be a about half as light as it was 10-15 minutes after its last watering.

• Water early in the day. The leaves must be dry before night. Wet leaves during the night time encourage leaf diseases.
  
  
• Water thoroughly. Water until we see it coming out of the bottom of the pot. This flushes the extra salts out of the pot.
  
  
• How often we water depends on the plant's growing environment and the pot size. Orchids in smaller pots and in warmer environments are watered more often.
  
  
• Never fertilize a dry plant. If the orchid is dry, water it and wait until the next day to fertilize it.

These were my lessons on how to water orchids.

Phalaenopsis are easy to grow!

Don't feel bad if you have done something similar.

We all have done dumb things!

Once these important lessons are learned, growing orchids is a snap!

There are many types of orchids and it is such a pleasure caring for them.

We ask ourselves, "Is the orchid an epiphyte that lives in the air?"

"Or is it a terrestrial that lives on the ground?"

Then we confidently know how to water our orchids. Orchid plant care is easy!

enjoy growing beautiful orchids