Is It Possible To Submerge Orchids?

Orchids can be watered from the top or bottom, with mounted plants needing more water than unmounted plants. Standard orchid mixes include fir bark, tree fern fiber, sphagnum moss, perlite, and gravel. Watering orchids in the morning is the best way to allow the plant time to soak up the water and sun before the soil gets too dry. The best way to water an orchid is not to pour water into the top of its pot but rather to give it a “weekly plunge into”.

To properly water an orchid indoors, strike the right balance by checking the moisture level of the orchid potting mix with your finger. Bottom watering allows the plant to soak in a filled basin or bowl for fifteen minutes or so, hydrating their growing mediums well. Use luke-warm water and water the roots and potting media only, making sure to water evenly. Avoid letting water get into the orchid crown or on the leaves, but if it does, dry it off. Water early in and tip the pot over if there is a dish attached to the bottom of the pot to ensure any water collected in the bottom drains out.

Orchids are colorful, flowering perennials that make great houseplants. It’s easy to underhydrate (or overhydrate) these temperamental plants, but following these care tips can help you satisfy them. Orchid velamen is an excellent indicator of your plant’s water needs, with dry velamen being white or silvery and freshly watered velamen being green or mottled depending on the species.

Watering orchids once a week is usually sufficient, but in very hot weather, switch up to every three days. In winter, water no more than once. Set your orchids on top of pebbles and fill the tray with water, making sure water doesn’t touch the bottom of the pots. Limiting waterings to once per week, from the top or bottom, is generally enough to keep an orchid happy. Misting occasionally between waterings can help maintain their health.