Watering is one of the most important parts of orchid care. Unfortunately, watering mistakes can lead to root rot or root loss. How should an orchid be watered, and how often? What are the key tips, and how can an orchid be revived? Our watering guide explores these questions.
An orchid generally does not need excessive water. Staying in water for too long can cause root rot, so give it only the water it needs and do not leave water beneath the pot for a long time.
How should an orchid be cared for? How often should it be watered, and how can its water needs be recognised?
Even when an orchid is sold in a decorative outer pot, its growing pot underneath is clear. This makes roots easy to monitor. A change from vivid green to grey indicates a need for water in the guide’s method.
How many days between waterings?
In ordinary conditions, the article describes one glass of water every 4–5 days in summer and every 6–10 days in winter. Location, sunlight and temperature can change this interval. Its recommended approach is to observe the colour of roots visible inside the pot.
What are the key watering tips?
Light grey roots indicate a need for water, while dark green roots do not. Observing this can make watering more reliable and help avoid damage from an unsuitable routine. Everything should be timely and balanced—neither too little nor too much.
How can an orchid be watered at home or in the office?
There are several ways to water an orchid, and we explain the easiest. First, make sure the clear pot has holes so water can drain. Clear any blocked holes. Trapped water can rot roots, followed by wrinkled leaves and falling flowers. Excessive watering and water remaining around the roots are common causes of Phalaenopsis loss.
What watering methods are there, and how much water is needed?
1. Watering from above
This method is also used for other plants and is convenient when you have many orchids. Pour about one glass of water gradually around the pot’s edges, keeping it away from leaf bases. If water collects underneath, empty the excess within 1–2 hours at the latest.
2. Immersion or soaking: a water bath
How to water an orchid
Another method is immersion. Fill a container wider than the orchid pot with water reaching halfway up the pot, and leave the pot in it for 3–10 minutes. Hold the medium firmly while soaking so pieces do not wash out between the roots. Then remove the orchid and leave it in a suitable place until the pot drains completely. Return it to its place only once drainage is complete.
Solo Plant Liquid Orchid Feed and Its Use
Our Solo Plant YouTube video, “How to Water an Orchid in Two Minutes”, is included at the end of the article. You can also obtain the Solo Plant Liquid Orchid Feed used with watering in the video through the linked product page. Related guide Related guide
Comments