Learn how to properly water an orchid in a pot at home: step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Here's how to water your orchid at home to bloom well! Step-by-step instruction

Grown at home, they need watering and spraying. But you need to use water of a certain quality for this basic agrotechnical method. To decide what to water an orchid, you need to know the chemical composition, that is, check the acidity and hardness of the water - you may have to take measures to soften it. Water enters the plants through the roots, passes into the shoots, where it participates in metabolism, transport, biochemical processes (including photosynthesis and respiration) and leaves the plant, evaporating through the stomata of the leaves. In the various organs of the orchid, the water content varies by wide range and varies with species, age and environment. The hotter it is in the room, the faster the process of evaporation of moisture from the surface of the leaves through the stomata occurs and the slower (until it stops completely) the process of water absorption through the roots is. This page describes in detail how to properly water and spray orchids at home, as well as what water to use for these purposes.

What water to water orchids at home: quality and temperature

Often, tap water is saturated with chlorine, calcium, magnesium and iron salts. During the period of active snow melting in Moscow water, the taste of chlorine becomes especially noticeable, and the acidity indicator approaches 9 (in parentheses, we add that the quality tap water for example, in St. Petersburg it is almost ideal for watering orchids). Before deciding if you need to improve your orchid water, check its acidity (or pH). The pH is indicated by the pH symbol. It varies from 1 to 14. The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution. Neutral solutions have a pH of 7, acidic solutions have a pH< 7, а щелочные - pH >7. Measure pH for correct watering orchids at home using special paper indicators impregnated with special organic dyes (the so-called litmus paper) or using a pocket ionomer. Depending on the pH value for growing, orchids can be classified as follows:

pH = 4.0-5.0 - very acidic;
pH = 5.0-6.5 - acidic;
pH = 6.5-6.8 - slightly acidic;
pH = 6.8-7.2 - almost neutral;
pH = 7.2-7.5 - slightly alkaline.

The pH of water, which most orchids need to be watered, should be in the range of pH = 5.5-6.8. In addition to monitoring chemical composition it is necessary to control the temperature of the water: watering and spraying of orchids is carried out with water, the temperature of which is 5-10 degrees higher than the ambient temperature. Following this rule will save your plants from the appearance of bacterial rot.

Ways to soften water for watering orchids

Before watering orchids at home, determine another important indicator of the quality of irrigation water - its hardness, which depends on the salt content. If there are few of these salts in the water, it is soft; if there is a lot, it is hard.

Distinguish between temporary and permanent water hardness. The temporary hardness is determined by calcium bicarbonate Ca (HCO3) and magnesium bicarbonate Mg (HCO3) dissolved in water. Temporary hardness can be reduced by simple boiling, whereby bicarbonates precipitate and form scale on the walls of the vessel. The constant hardness of water is determined by the content of sulphates and chlorides of calcium and magnesium; it can only be removed by distillation, fine purification through filters or by chemical means. There is a definite relationship between acidity and water hardness. In soft water, there are no calcium and magnesium carbonate salts, so it has a slightly acidic reaction. Hard water is usually alkaline. In order for the hard water from the faucet to approach the quality of the water of the rainforest rainforest, it can be artificially softened. There are several ways to soften irrigation water. In order to get rid of temporary hardness, the water can be boiled and defended. Knowing what kind of water to water the orchid at home, you can reduce its hardness, for example, by mixing it with distilled water, or passing it through a membrane filter, or immersing a bag filled with red high-moor peat in a container of water for several hours. Water can be removed from foreign matter by freezing, after thawing, the sediment is drained.

One of the most common water softening methods for proper watering of orchids is chemical. Organic or inorganic acids are added to irrigation water, which bind calcium salts, and they precipitate into an insoluble sediment.

As organic, you can use oxalic or citric acid... They are sold as a white crystalline powder that should be added to water gradually, starting at a quarter gram (or 250 mg) per liter, gradually bringing the solution to needed by plants acidity index (pH = 5.5-6.8). At the same time, a sediment consisting of insoluble salts precipitates at the bottom of the container, which must be drained through a siphon. The remaining solution no longer contains calcium salts and can be watered on orchids. Of inorganic acids to lower the acidity of hard water, it is better to choose phosphoric acid. How to soften water for proper watering of orchids is shown in this video:

Correct watering and spraying of orchids (with video)

To briefly summarize information on how to properly water orchids at home, you can as follows:

Orchids do not tolerate waterlogging of the substrate; stagnation of water in the pot causes the death of the root system. The exception is some species from the genus Phragmipedium, and other species from the subfamily Orchidoideae, which are best watered from below through the drainage holes, placing the pot in a container of water;
During active growth, watering the orchids contained in the pot culture is necessary as the substrate dries;
Shade-tolerant species from under the canopy of a rainforest rainforest, as well as species from alpine foggy forests, which do not have thickened pseudobulbs, require regular moisture under moderate illumination;
Orchids growing in high temperature and strong light need more frequent watering than orchids growing in shade and cool.
All epiphytic species with thickened pseudobulbs are able to withstand short dry periods;
Orchids with a good root system during the growing period are needed with weak, few roots;
The substrate dries out faster in clay pots; in small pots; at a higher temperature and illumination.

Once you've figured out how to properly water your orchids, don't forget to spray your plants. How is watering different from spraying? For epiphytes, which are kept with a completely open root system, this is the same thing. They are watered in two ways - by spraying or by soaking. Potted plants can be sprayed over the leaves, but you can also water the pot from above or through the drainage holes in the bottom.

Spraying quality is especially important for plants that are attached to pieces of bark and have bare, uncovered aerial roots. These plants will receive sufficient moisture only when the root velamen is completely saturated with water.

It is advisable not to spray orchids in direct sunlight, otherwise burns may appear. It is best to spray the plants in the morning and in the evening, but you need to make sure that after the evening spraying, water does not accumulate in the leaf rosettes and axils of scaly leaves, since a nightly drop in temperature can provoke the development of dangerous bacterial rot. To stimulate growth and flowering, experienced plant breeders recommend from time to time to arrange a hot shower for orchids (water temperature approximately 50-60 ° C). Here you can watch a video on how to properly water and spray orchids:

Orchids have occupied a leading position in the popularity rating for several years. indoor plants... This is the most "gifted" plant. Therefore, often an orchid falls under the care of a person who is very far from floriculture and has very vague ideas about how to grow it correctly. , the orchid is capable of growing at home and delighting us for many years. This care is simple and not burdensome. Minor deviations from the rules of care do not cause tangible harm to the plant. But, alas, as the sad statistics show, almost half of the donated orchids die after the first flowering. The reasons for this are different, but they are all the result of ignorance of the rules of care or careless implementation of them. The absolute leadership among these violations belongs to improper watering.

Orchids cannot be watered like other houseplants! As you know, in their natural environment, orchids grow on the bark of trees, stumps. That is, not in the ground. Therefore, the substrate in which orchids are grown consists mainly of tree bark, but it accumulates moisture very weakly and dries quickly. This misleads the inexperienced owner and provokes the next watering. As a result, waterlogging and problems associated with it.

When and how often to water orchids

To begin with, I'll clarify. Among orchids, there is also a pronounced leader - phalaenopsis. It is he who is most often presented as a gift. The more exotic ones, and others, are significantly inferior to phalaenopsis in terms of "acquisition and gift". Therefore, we will consider the rules for watering orchids using his example.
First of all, it should be noted that the frequency of watering orchids at home will depend on factors such as air temperature, humidity, substrate composition, pot volume, life cycle and the season.
External primary signs of the need for watering orchids are as follows:

The roots of the plant have taken on a pale green or white tint. They should be green when watered normally.
The walls of the pot are dry. If there are even the smallest droplets of moisture on them, do not water.
The orchid pot is very light.
You can carefully dip a dry stick into the pot and check the moisture in its depths.
With prolonged overdrying.

Important! Dry pieces of bark on the surface of the pot are not a reason for the next watering.

Watering frequency also depends on the season. Usually in the summer, orchids are watered once a week, but not more than twice a month.

Water for watering orchids

For regular watering, you can not use water taken directly from the tap. At the very least, it should be well kept. But this is not enough either. Ideally, water for watering an orchid should be boiled or filtered. The presence of salts, iron and chlorine compounds in its composition is highly undesirable. You can soften the water and make it more suitable for irrigation using peat. To do this, take a handful of high-moor (sour) peat, wrap it in a napkin and lower it into a container of water (about 3 liters) for 10-12 hours. Oxalic acid is also used to soften water.

Necessarily! The water used for watering orchids should be warm.

Watering orchids at home - ways

Immersion

The most effective and common way. If possible, purchase a special container for watering orchids that matches the size of your plant's pot. In fact, this is the same pot, but without the drainage holes. When using it, you will avoid floating up and overturning the pot with the plant. In the absence of such a capacity, you can use any other container suitable size... The pot with the orchid is lowered into it so that the water level is below the top edge of the pot by a centimeter. Usually 10-15 minutes is enough for the substrate to be saturated with moisture. A sign of this will be the appearance of moisture on its upper layer. After that, the pot must be removed from the water and allowed to drain all the moisture. During such watering, you can also feed orchids by dissolving fertilizer in water.

Top watering (using a watering can)

This method is also used. But caution should be exercised when using it. Do not allow water to enter the leaf axils. Its accumulation can cause rotting of the orchid leaf. For watering, it is better to use a watering can with a long, thin spout. Watering is done in several stages. Water pours until it starts flowing through the drain holes. Then a break for a couple of minutes, and the procedure is repeated. And so 3-4 times. Drain the water drained into the sump.

Watering with running water (warm shower)

This is the case when watering from the tap is allowed. But only if this method is not permanent, but is used only occasionally. Otherwise, use a garden watering can. This method of watering orchids is closest to natural, as it imitates rain. In addition to the fact that the substrate and roots of the plant are moistened, dust is washed off the leaves, possible pests and other nasty things. It also stimulates foliage growth. Watering is best done in the tub, but you can put the plant pot in a bowl if you water it with a watering can. Water for irrigation should be warm, sometimes even hot 40-50 degrees is used. Watering the orchid continues until the substrate is saturated with moisture. After that, the water from the pot is allowed to drain and the orchid is left in a shaded place for 30-40 minutes. Then be sure to wipe the leaves with a dry napkin, but the main thing is to remove all moisture from the axils of the leaves.

Spraying roots

This method is unlikely to come in handy for novice growers. It is used for orchids that are grown open way, without the use of a substrate. In this case, a spray bottle with a very fine spray of water is used. With its help, the roots of the orchid, fixed on the bearing surface, are abundantly watered.

Watering orchids after purchase

This point should be emphasized. The fact is that in most cases the phalaenopsis, which are sold in flower shops, have a specific soil composition. In addition to the obligatory bark and sphagnum moss, they can contain anything that contributes to giving and maintaining the presentation of the plant. After all, we understand that the main thing is to sell to a merchant, and what will happen next is our headache. Most often, in the composition of the substrate, you can find such accumulators of moisture, called among flower growers "sponges", "washcloths", "sponges", which they, in fact, are. These are pieces of synthetic material that absorb large amounts of water and allow long time do not water the orchid, which is important during transportation and bulk storage. There is nothing particularly wrong with that. The material is synthetic, therefore, does not lend itself to rotting and decomposition. But its danger lies in the fact that the irrigation schedule in this case changes dramatically. It is very difficult to determine the absence or presence of moisture in such a "battery". And their very presence can be questionable. Conscientious sellers must warn that there is a sponge in the substrate. Otherwise, it can be an unpleasant surprise. Experienced florists after buying any plants, and after two weeks of quarantine, they are transplanted into fresh soil. But not every lover can do this, and it is not advisable to do this during flowering. Therefore, when buying, be sure to ask the seller about the presence of such surprises. And if they are, then all watering before should be carried out less often than one and a half to two times. In any case - after purchase, place the orchid separately from other plants (if any) and quarantine for 7-10 days. There is no need to water at this time. Then you can start watering. I advise you to water the first watering with boiled or distilled water. Better to use the immersion method. Moreover, repeat it several times, changing the water. This will wash out unnecessary salts from the soil. Of course, the fertilizers with which producers and sellers fertilized them will also go away. But you don't need them. Usually, these are very strong stimulants that deplete the plant. Better to buy quality fertilizer and use it.

Here are all the basic rules for watering orchids. But, there will also appear a considerable number of nuances that will be inherent in your particular plant, and here everything will depend on you. Try it different ways and decide which one is more suitable for you and your plant. Observe the plant and substrate. It won't be long before you can accurately determine when and how to water your orchids.

How to water orchids - video

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Spraying orchid

When Phalaenopsis is in bloom, it can be sprayed to increase the level of humidity. If it is better to water in the morning, then spraying is usually done in the afternoon. Water, too, should be used only clean, soft and warm, a couple of degrees warmer than the air. Around blooming orchid need to support enough level humidity, if the substrate does not dry out, and the leaves are wet all the time, then the duration of flowering will be sharply reduced - after all, during the rainy season in the tropics, orchids do not bloom. Spraying should simply maintain the correct moisture level in the air. The care must be reasonable.

It is better to use a shallow nozzle of a spray, direct water - to the leaves or around, the ingress of moisture on the flowers contributes to their destruction.

What is the risk of improper watering

The orchid loves moisture, especially during the flowering period, but waterlogging of the substrate can lead to root rot. If you water the plant when droplets of condensate are still collecting on the walls of the transparent pot, then the substrate will thicken, its ingredients will begin to rot, this will lead to a deterioration in the condition of the roots, which means the whole plant. This should not be allowed, because the orchid will stop blooming, it may even die if you miss the moment of transplantation that is possible for salvation.

To insure against decay of the substrate, it is sometimes recommended to water the plants with water with a small amount of potassium permanganate. But it is better before each watering to carefully check the condition of the substrate, its upper layer dries out quickly enough, and at the bottom of the pot it may still remain wet, in which case it is better to wait with watering.

So that the Phalaenopsis orchid grows healthy and pleases the eye with its beautiful flowers, you need to know how to properly water the plant. Delicate orchids are especially sensitive to watering.

If the phalaenopsis is not properly watered, the plant will wither quickly. Therefore, every novice and experienced gardener must know the technology of watering and caring for phalaenopsis.

Orchid watering time

A mandatory rule that must be followed strictly. Phalaenopsis can only be watered with dry roots and dry substrate... It is necessary to remember forever, first good drying, then watering. Drying can take several days. This will not harm the plant.

For a flower, drying time is of no small importance. The best option drying of the substrate and orchid roots within 24 hours is considered. This period applies to all types of epiphytic orchids.

Of course, the drying time largely depends on the climatic conditions. When it is cloudy and rainy outside, the drying time of the substrate increases compared to warm sunny days. Every gardener must take this factor into account.

Phalaenopsis should not be in a wet substrate for a long time. If he, for a long time does not remain wet, it is necessary to replace it and pour in a larger substrate, it will begin to dry much faster, due to the free space formed inside.

You need to water orchids:

IN summer period- 3 times a week;
In autumn - once a week;
In winter - once every 7 days.

The given irrigation schedule can be changed, it all depends on individual conditions in which the orchid is grown.

How to know if the substrate and roots are well dried

Unfortunately, the substrate dries up in different places pot in different ways, especially if it contains small fractions. The layer on the surface dries faster, as it is more exposed to hot sunlight. Medium dries much longer, he practically does not see the sun. This also applies to the lower layer, when the orchid stands on the windowsill and is heated by a heating radiator.

To determine if it is possible to start watering phalaenopsis, you can use several ways:

Determination of the mass of the pot. After watering, you need to raise the pot and feel its weight. After a couple of days, the orchid pot needs to be picked up again. If it has become much lighter, then it is time to water.
Pick up the top crust of the soil, lower your finger to determine what is the moisture content inside the soil.
You can also use a small wooden stick. To determine if it is time to water the phalaenopsis, you need to get it out and look at how dry it is. If the stick is wet, it means that the drying has not gone completely. Better to refrain from watering the orchid.
You can also plant phalaenopsis in a transparent pot. A wet substrate will be much darker than an already dried substrate. The moist roots of the orchid have green color completely dry acquire a silvery tint.

How to properly water orchids

The best watering method is to submerge the orchid pot in a container filled with water. You need her there hold for about 15 minutes... IN winter time five minutes will be enough. During this time, the roots, together with the substrate, will get well wet. Then the pot is taken out and the water is allowed to drain completely.

Very often, they ask the question: how to water the phalaenopsis orchid so as not to harm it. It is better to water the plant in the morning, so that it can dry well until the evening. This is also due to the properties of the orchid. She very actively "drinks" water during the daytime. If you water an orchid in evening time, its substrate will dry out much longer.

Which shower to choose for an orchid?

Florists claim that hot showers have a profound effect on the orchid. She is blooms for a very long time and often... Flowers become more beautiful, she stops responding to all kinds of diseases.

Of course, such a procedure is very useful, but still, the shower should not be very hot. It is intended only for washing off dust from plants.

Among the many types of orchids, not everyone can take a shower well. These include:

Cumbria;
Miltonia;
“Shoes;

Water temperature plays a huge role. It should not exceed 40 ° C. Otherwise, phalaenopsis is easy to boil.

After a shower, it is imperative to soak all hard-to-reach places where water may have gotten with a napkin. We are talking about the point of growth and leaf sinuses.

There are several contraindications for an orchid shower. It is forbidden to conduct a hot shower for phalaenopsis who are at rest. Usually, this applies to the autumn and winter periods.

What kind of water is good for irrigation?

For the orchid, this issue is also considered very important. We sometimes have very bad water flowing from the tap, with impurities and rust... The question sounds quite natural: how to water Phalaenopsis, if there is no good, clean water.

For proper watering, the water must first be filtered and then boiled. As a result, it will become softer, all impurities will be removed from it. You can also use distilled water.

In principle, distilled water is already the ideal of purity. But it lacks useful trace elements and salts. In this regard, in order to water house plants with distilled water, it is imperative to add the missing trace elements to such water, together with fertilizers.

If you water the phalaenopsis with hard water, in which there are a lot of salts, the roots begin to become covered with a white coating. It needs to be washed off. Any acidic environment is suitable for this, for example, kefir or lemon juice with water.

Lighting

For flowers to grow well, they need to create the appropriate conditions. Very important correct lighting... In the summertime, the flower should bathe in sunlight, and in winter period you can create additional lighting by connecting a fluorescent lamp.

If you properly water the orchid and adhere to the technology described above, you can grow a beautiful home phalaenopsis.

Orchids have long ceased to be perceived as exotic plants and are found in most apartments, houses, offices and ceremonial halls. They fit perfectly into any interior, create an atmosphere of solemnity and elegance at the same time. For those who practice their cultivation, it is no secret that these plants are quite capricious, require clear growth conditions and are reluctant to compromise on these conditions. One of the points that should be given significant attention is watering the orchids, so let's try to figure out how often you need to water the orchid, how much water and exactly what kind of water it is better to water the orchid. Let us also define the seasonal features of watering.

In order for the plant to feel comfortable, grow actively, and not even bloom, it is necessary to create conditions for it that are as close as possible to natural ones. In nature, orchids almost never grow in water, so the stagnation of moisture in the pot will be completely inappropriate. Watering times are determined by checking the condition and taking into account the type of orchid. For example, if Phalaenopsis, Odontoglossum, Cymbidium are grown, then the substrate should not dry out, it grows well in slightly moistened soil, but not in a pot of stagnant water, but Oncidium, Dendrobium and Cattleya love watering only if the soil is dry. This is important, therefore, when buying a plant, be sure to clarify the name of the plant variety.

Watering methods for orchids

The orchid is watered in a variety of ways, both under the tap, and under the shower, and bathing them in water completely, but by the most the best option is placing a pot with drainage holes in another, larger one and watering from above. Thus, the orchid drinks freely, the entire bark is evenly moistened, the plant is not at risk of drying out, and the water does not stagnate. This method is called soldering.

Similar to it is the method of immersion, when a smaller pot is placed in a larger one, already filled with water. Brazing can be called an improved version of it, so water pours from above and the bark is wetted faster, it takes longer when immersed.

You can water the orchids under the shower, but this method is, to put it mildly, uneconomical, since for a good wetting of the bark, water must be continuously poured for about 30-40 minutes.

Watering the orchid during flowering

Many are also interested in whether it is possible to water an orchid during flowering, let's dwell on this in detail. Watering, of course, is necessary and watering during this period has certain features. If flowering occurs in the summer, then watering increases and occurs every three days, if the buds bloom in winter, the substrate is moistened no more than twice a week.

In between watering, it is worth giving the bark the opportunity to dry, excessive moisture will be inappropriate. And another very important rule the temperature of the water is, in no case should it be cold, warm settled water will be the best option.

If the orchid pleased with its color, then you should not neglect these rules. We remind you that she is capricious and can quickly shed flowers and get sick due to improper moisture.

How to water orchids in winter and summer

The question is: how often to water the orchid in winter, whether the watering should be done more intensively in the summer, and whether spraying is needed. The frequency of watering orchids in winter and summer is actually different, in winter the plant slows down and the intervals between waterings become longer. It is very important to make sure that it does not remain in the outlet, so after watering it can be drained by carefully lowering the plant, or simply soaked with a napkin.

Water for winter irrigation should be warm, slightly higher room temperature... It is advisable to put polystyrene under the pots on the windowsills, if the root temperature drops below 14 C, the plant will suffer.

With the onset of spring and summer, all physiological processes in orchids accelerate and watering needs to be made more abundant, with a lack of water, the plant will wrinkle its leaves and require measures. The water temperature should not be lower than room temperature, the water should be well defended.

You can determine if it's time to restore the amount of water by checking the condition of the roots and walls of the pot. If the condensation from the walls has disappeared, and the roots have become silvery, the pot itself is light - it's time to water. It is for these checks that orchids are grown in transparent pots.

Watering the orchid after purchase

So, the orchid found its happy owner, moved to a new home. When to water an orchid after purchase and does it need some time to adapt and get used to a new place? Certainly. Place it in a shaded area for several weeks, away from other indoor plants. Do not expose it to direct sunlight... It is not worth watering and "feeding" the fertilizers that were recommended when buying it, the plant is still under stress, however, you should still focus on the state of the plant, especially the leaves and make decisions based on their condition. Orchids usually tolerate several weeks of quarantine well without watering or any other intervention.

The plant should be brought out of this state by moderate watering, which over time becomes more intense and gradual getting used to the sun.

Watering the orchid after transplanting

And the last thing we focus on is whether it is necessary to water the orchid after transplanting. If a plant purchased from a store does not grow in sphagnum moss, then a transplant is not needed, and it can be in its native substrate for several years until the need to change the pot comes.

If, nevertheless, the need has come and the plant has been transplanted, then after it you need to water it abundantly. While the substrate is not yet rammed, it is good to water the plant under the shower for 5-7 minutes, and then immerse it in a container of water for 30 minutes.

For the first 7-10 days after transplanting, the orchid should be in a shaded place, watering takes place in the usual way.