Q&A for How to Water Orchids

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  • Question
    Is it okay if I set my orchid which is in a plastic pot with drainage holes in the bottom into a ceramic plant pot with water in it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Only for about 5 minutes. Then lift the draining pot out until it drains, re-inserting after dripping stops.
  • Question
    Can I water my orchid from underneath?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Put your pot in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes before removing it. The water will come up through the drainage holes to water your orchid. Be sure to let all the excessive water drain from the pot. Do this once a week; do not over water your orchid.
  • Question
    Can I put the ice cube back in the pot if I use the ice cube method?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I've used this method a lot, but have never removed the ice. I usually place 2-3 ice cubes on top of moss on the outer edge, and let them melt completely.
  • Question
    The root is growing out the bottom drainage hole. Do I need to repot?
    Lois Wade
    Lois Wade
    Community Answer
    No, not really. Orchid roots will commonly grow in, around, over and under their pots.
  • Question
    I've heard that in Norway, they "drown" their orchids and, consequently, the orchids flower like crazy. Does drowning them really work?
    Lois Wade
    Lois Wade
    Community Answer
    That sounds um... "fishy". A more detailed explanation of what "drowning" entails may help to evaluate. Most orchid species like humidity, but NOT standing water.
  • Question
    I just repotted my Phalaenopsis orchid in a pot that has holes on the sides, but not at the bottom. Will this pot be okay or should I get a pot with holes at the bottom instead?
    Lois Wade
    Lois Wade
    Community Answer
    That should be fine, but if you have a large drill bit, you may want to drill a hole in the bottom of the pot as well. Orchids get most of their nutrients from the air and not from their dirt, so you want a pot that will not allow water to stand in it, and one that will allow air to circulate around the roots.
  • Question
    What is wrong if the new buds on my orchid don't open and they turn yellow before dropping?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Many things can cause this. Here are a few: A shock from a sudden change in environment, ethylene gas from heaters that burn propane or kerosene, a change in lighting or extreme temperature fluctuations. It is also good to do your own research on why they are turning yellow and falling off.
  • Question
    What does it mean if my orchid's leaves turn yellow?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It may be getting too much water, or not enough. Remember to stay in the Goldilocks zone.
  • Question
    Why are the unopened buds dropping off?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Bud blast has many causes. Check this article to find your culprit: http://www.aos.org/orchids/orchid-pests-diseases/bud-blast.aspx
  • Question
    Can I use ice cubes to water my orchid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. Ice cubes would make the orchids' roots cold, and orchids are tropical plants that don't experience that type of cold in their natural environment.
  • Question
    I soak my orchids in buckets when I water them. Would it be okay to reuse the water for the subsequent orchid (I have a number of them) or should I be using new water for each separate plant?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Only if your orchids are 100% healthy. I use rain water with and without fertilizer. I soak my vandas and water my other orchids with the same water because they are all healthy. If they are new to the family, they are watered in individual pots.
  • Question
    Is it true that I should never let the water touch the flowers when watering my orchids?
    Al Smith
    Al Smith
    Community Answer
    Not exactly, the water will not hurt the flower. Though it will leave a spot once it dries up, thereby making the flower less attractive.
  • Question
    Should I leave the plant in the clear plastic tube in which it was purchased?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is fine, but you should eventually replant your orchid.
  • Question
    What sort of pot should I put my orchid in after reporting?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use an orchid pot if you are able to find one. Usually they can be found at garden centers alongside the regular terracotta pots. They are on the small side, wide, and have extra drainage holes on the sides of the pot.
  • Question
    How do I tell if I'm watering my orchids correctly?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The leaves will be dark green and you should see a small amount of moisture in the clear pot. If the leaves turn yellow or the crown is rotting, you're overwatering them. If the leaves look dry and wrinkly and the roots look white and rubbery, you're not watering them enough. Orchids are very resilient, so don't worry too much.
  • Question
    How much fertilizer should I mix with a quart of water for my orchids?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Follow the directions labeled on the fertilizer container. Typically, it's listed for making a gallon size amount of plant water. If that is the case, then divide the fertilizer amount by 4 in order to make a quarts-worth of plant water. Be sure to water in the morning, which will allow excess water to drain from the plant before nightfall. Once that water drains off, remove it from the pot, as it can lead to root rot.
  • Question
    I always water my orchid every day because the soil is always dry. Should I worry about my plant?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Is the pot sitting close to a widow or in a hot room? That is maybe speeding up the drying, but if it just appears dry, you may want to try sticking your finger about an inch into the soil to make sure. It is also possible it is root bound because its pot is too small, as orchids are often sold in tiny containers. If none of these things change any thing, your orchid is probably fine.
  • Question
    My plants have no leaves - does this mean they're dead?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you got it as such, then no, it means it has not yet bloomed to its fullest. If they are shriveled up, they are dead.
  • Question
    What would cause a leaf to look blistered on my orchids?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A bug infestation, a disease, the orchids not getting enough water, and/or the roots rotting could cause this.
  • Question
    Should I water newly planted orchid plants?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Newly planted orchids need enough water to bloom, but shouldn't be watered too much in a pot without draining holes. If the pot has draining holes, you should use half a cup.
  • Question
    My dendrobian had a huge flowering stem and has now finished flowering do I cut it down it looks so healthy?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you're talking about the old canes that already drop their leaves but still healthy, the answer is no. Any living healthy old canes and back bulb, they're the food and water storage for the orchid, but if it is already rotten or dried you should probably cut it off the plant (Orchid).
  • Question
    Do I have to remove the orchid form the pot or can I leave it there?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can leave it in as long as the pot has holes big enough to provide good drainage.
  • Question
    Does an orchid need to be in a window with lots of light?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Your orchid should be in bright, indirect light, but not in direct light. Put it in a bright but shady spot. After a while, you should be able to judge how much light your orchid needs. If there are discolored splotches, it means that your orchid is getting sunburned.
  • Question
    Can I take the stick off of my orchid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No! You shouldn't take the stick off because the flower stem might break.
  • Question
    How long do orchid flowers last?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    They will last more than a year. If you take care of your orchids correctly and do not transplant them too much, they will probably last even longer.
  • Question
    Will my orchid be all right if I repotted it into a glass bowl that doesn't have a drain hole?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Depends on your orchids; there are water orchids and air orchids. Air orchids will get root rot if the water is not drained.
  • Question
    How much do I water my orchids?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should use half a cup if the pot has draining holes, if not, use a little less. Water every other day.
  • Question
    I bought a large pot with 5 orchid plants. The pot has no drainage holes. How do I water it and how often?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I’d say use the ice cube method. Depending on how big the plants are, maybe 4 for 5 smaller orchids or 6 for 5 large orchids (could differ, I’m sure people could give their advice) once a week. I’d try misting as well as that would give the hydration without drowning them. I really would suggest trying to get some form of hole at the bottom if possible. Orchids get their nutrients from the air around their roots rather than the water or ‘soil’.
  • Question
    When is it best to repot an orchid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Roughly once every 2 years, to a pot about an inch or two wider than the pot it’s in. It’s better to repot it when it’s blooming cycle has stopped too. You can tell if an orchid needs to be repotted if: 1) the roots are really starting to grow up and out (or down) of the pot it’s in, 2) if the potting mix is fine and small (orchids get the nutrients from the air, so this stops that process), 3) if the roots are twisting tightly together (they can twist loosely together and still be perfectly fine, but if it looks constricted then it’s time for a repot).
  • Question
    How often do I need to water my orchids during the winter?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Once a week, if that. Misting helps during the winter as it doesn’t let the plant drown but keeps it hydrated.
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