Watering Orchids That Are Embedded In Bark?

Orchids can be a challenging plant to water, especially when using bark as a growing medium. To overcome this obstacle, it is recommended to slowly pour water into the bark and allow it to drain completely. In some cases, the bark may need to be soaked for 5 minutes. Learning how to properly water orchids, especially when planted in bark-based potting medium, is crucial.

There are at least two ways to water orchids potted in a bark-based potting medium: watering from below and watering from above. If you plant your orchid in bark and use a plastic pot, the humidity will increase, reducing the watering frequency compared to using a clay pot. This could be worth considering if you cannot care for your orchid.

To ensure a healthy orchid plant, follow these steps:

1. Have the water level come up just below the lip of the pot to prevent the bark mixture from spilling out. Soak for about 10 minutes to saturate, then allow the water to drain out completely. Orchids like a good soak but don’t tolerate sitting in water. Uneven watering will result in shallow or uneven root growth.

2. Water your orchids in sunny days, not rainy days. If it’s too rainy, give them some air flow with a small fan.

3. Wait until the ball feels almost hard and then set the kokedama in a bowl of water. The moss will absorb the water several minutes later.

4. Place the entire pot into a bowl that’s at least as deep as the bark line. Pour water into the bowl.

5. Fill the pot in the sink and let it soak for 3-5 minutes before draining.