Methods of Watering Orchids
It is essential to embark on watering orchid during the daytime, mainly because there are high chances of the orchid drying out till the onset of night. The proper watering frequency is completely dependent on the climatic conditions and it is essential to water the orchids once a week during winter times, when the weather turns dry and warm. In addition, the size of the orchid container also helps in determining how often the water is required irrespective of the climatic conditions. Normally, while a 6 inch pot requires watering orchid each day of the week, on the contrary, a pot measuring only 4 inches requires water every 5 to 6 days. The water requirements of the plant are affected by the type of the potting medium implemented. For instance, the bark has a greater tendency of getting dried out rapidly as compared to the sphagnum moss. However, prior to watering orchids, it is important to remember the fact that when the surface of the pot gets dried, there is a high possibility of the root area remaining moist. The only way of finding them is by the poking of a regular wooden pencil or finger an inch into to the pot. In case, the pencil looks moist or it feels moist to the touch, further watering orchid is not mandatory.
The water quality used for the purpose of either spraying or watering is of tremendous importance. The potting medium needs to be damp in nature but not soggy. In addition, it also need not be permitted to get extremely dry. Apart from that, the water used from the taps need to be used with some amount of caution largely for the fact that, the tap water is normally chemically treated and contains some amount of chlorine. Since rainwater passes through the air and dissolves and absorbs numerous substances such as organic matter, pollen and dust, it is the best option for watering orchid. It is this rainwater which eventually takes part in nourishing the plant.
Other Important Factors:
The other important parameter involved is the temperature of the water. In case, the surrounding air temperature and the temperature of the water are equal in nature, it would not result in any form of harm. In addition, healthy plants would tolerate any slight difference in the temperature. Needless to say, it is water and factors associated with it, which play a vital role in the growth of orchids. Long term damage or fatal damage which might not look discernible initially would result from watering orchid using cold water. Apart from that, the cultivation method would also change the manner in which the orchid is grown.