Most orchids don’t die from too little attention, but from being watered the wrong way. The most popular orchid, the Phalaenopsis, has different needs from many other houseplants. Its roots are sensitive to sitting in wet compost for long periods, so watering with a watering can is not always the best option. That is why we prefer the soaking method. In this article, you will find out what it is and how to use it.

 

How to water an orchid

First, it is a good idea to check whether your orchid actually needs water. You can do this by looking at the plant’s roots. The colour of the roots is the best indication of whether an orchid has enough moisture.

• If the roots are grey, it is time to water the plant.
• If the roots are green, the orchid still has enough moisture.

 

What is the soaking method?

With the soaking method, you place the orchid in water for a short period so the roots can absorb exactly what they need. Afterwards, you let all excess water drain away completely. This gives the plant enough moisture without leaving the roots sitting in a wet pot for too long.

 

The soaking method works as follows:

Fill a saucer with water and remove the orchid’s inner pot from its decorative outer pot. Place the inner pot in the water, making sure that the roots are submerged while the crown of the plant – where the leaves meet – remains dry. Leave the orchid in the water for around five to ten minutes. During this time, the roots can absorb the moisture they need. Afterwards, remove the pot from the water and allow it to drain thoroughly. This is an important step, as any water left standing in the decorative pot can cause root problems. Only once no more water is dripping from the pot should you place the orchid back in its decorative pot and return it to its usual spot.

 

 

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

Summer is often a worrying time for plant parents. Who will look after your beloved green housemates while you’re away? Caring for houseplants isn’t for everyone, and “you water mine, I’ll water yours” may work out — or it may not. In fact, many plants struggle or die during the summer holidays: not because they dried out, but because the stand-in gardener meant a little too well and drowned them. Plant care is a matter of trust.

How to get your moth orchid through the holidays

Luckily, some plants make it easy for us. The moth orchid, Phalaenopsis, is the most popular flowering plant on the windowsill. It looks exotic and isn’t remotely fussy about being left alone for a couple of weeks. With a few simple tricks, it will even greet you after the holidays as if nothing had happened: “Good to have you back!”

 

What should you do?

• Submerge the orchid’s plastic pot in a bucket of lukewarm water for two minutes.
• Let the orchid drain in the sink for two minutes.
• Place it in a tall glass vase or container, lined at the bottom with three layers of damp kitchen paper or a damp napkin.
• Put the container with the Phalaenopsis in a semi-shaded spot – definitely not by the window.
• Away for longer than two weeks? Ask a neighbour with green fingers to dampen or mist the kitchen paper or napkin again.

Thanks to this microclimate, the orchid comes through the holidays just fine.

Source: GPP

 

Read also: What to do with an orchid with yellow leaves?

When caring for an orchid, you don’t want to overwater it. Because excess water in the pot can cause the roots to rot. In general, watering once a week is sufficient during the summer, and once every two weeks in the winter. But since every plant has different needs, it’s always best to check whether your orchid needs water first. We’ll tell you a very handy trick! (more…)

By far the most important step of orchid care is watering. This is also the part that some people find tricky. Do I water too much or too little? To find out whether your orchid needs watering, here’s a handy and easy trick!

 

How can you tell if your orchid needs water?

Check the roots! The colour of the roots will tell you if an orchid needs water. If the roots are grey, it is time to water. If the roots are green, the plant has enough water.

Read also: What to do with an orchid with yellow leaves?

 

 

How should I water my orchid?

If it is necessary to water your orchid, there are three methods to ensure orchids are watered properly:

• Bathing: Put the roots of the orchid in a shallow bath for a short while (5-10 minutes). You can use a basin, a bucket or your sink. Leave the (plastic) inner pot in place to ensure that you don’t damage the roots. It’s also essential that the plant dries thoroughly after its bath because orchids don’t like wet feet.
• Dish of water: You can also water your orchid by immersing it in a dish filled with water. By placing the orchid with its (plastic) inner pot in a layer of water for 5-10 minutes, the roots will absorb the water they need. If you do this, make sure to let the orchid dry well.
• A shot glass of water: If you don’t have time or you can’t take the orchid out of its pot, the shot glass is the perfect tool for you. To give an orchid the exact amount of water it needs, you only need to pour one shot glass of water (around 60 ml) between the roots.

 

In this video, you can see the above steps:

 

 

For more care tips and inspiration:

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