How often should I water my orchids? (How often should I water my indoor orchids?)

Orchid is a relatively drought-resistant plant. It has pseudobulbs that can store water and leaves with a thick cuticle and sunken stomata that prevent water from being lost easily, so it can endure temporary drought.

However, orchids need to have adequate water to grow well. Where orchids grow, the topsoil is moist all year round, which is also the favorite growth condition for orchids and the watering direction that needs to be followed when growing orchids.

The roots of orchids are fleshy aerial roots, and they grow wherever there is air. Therefore, orchids should be "moist and afraid of moisture" and should not be watered too much, otherwise the planting material will be damp for a long time, and the orchid roots will easily rot if soaked in stagnant water.

Sometimes, if the planting material is not dry, it is not a big deal if it is a little dry. Moist but not wet, dry but not dry is the best state for growing orchids, especially 70% dry and 30% wet.

When watering potted orchids grown at home, be sure to keep the water moist but not wet. The selection of planting materials is the key point here. It must have good drainage while being ventilated and breathable without waterlogging.

The mountains where orchids grow are often shrouded in clouds and mist, with moderate rainfall and humid air. In early spring from February to March, the air humidity is relatively low, with a relative humidity of 60% to 70%.

From late spring to late autumn, there is more rain, and the mountains and forests are often filled with clouds and fog. The air humidity is relatively high, with a relative humidity of 70% to 80%.

The change of soil moisture is similar to that of air humidity and is greatly affected by topography. In winter, there is less rain and the soil moisture content is low; in summer, on the contrary, the soil moisture content is higher. Therefore, watering potted orchids should be based on seasonal changes.

Of course, orchids grow in different regions with different temperatures, light, and humidity; and there will also be differences depending on the type of orchid.

Generally speaking, Chunlan, Chunjian and Lianbanlan prefer slightly moist, Jianlan and Huilan prefer dry, while Hanlan and Molan prefer wet. But the general principle is not to soak in water, moist without stagnant water is the best.

This is also the best solution for watering orchids that orchid growers need to constantly explore.