TheNaturePlanet

Many friends start to wonder after using sphagnum moss to grow phalaenopsis orchids: How often should I water them when using sphagnum moss? If the sphagnum moss stays wet all the time, will the phalaenopsis orchids "drown"?

When growing phalaenopsis orchids with sphagnum moss, you can't water them whenever you feel like it—watering based on mood is too much for the orchids to handle! Sphagnum moss has extremely strong water absorption and can retain a large amount of water. However, the roots of phalaenopsis orchids are different from those of common plants. They are aerial roots that prefer a breathable environment. If the sphagnum moss is constantly soaked in water, the roots will be like people stuck in a windowless dark room, unable to breathe. Over time, the roots will rot, and the entire phalaenopsis orchid will suffer.

So, how often should you water phalaenopsis orchids when using sphagnum moss? It depends on the specific conditions! First, consider the temperature and humidity. In summer, when the weather is hot and water evaporates quickly, if the indoor ventilation is good, you may need to water once every 3–5 days. In winter, however, when the temperature is low and water evaporates slowly, watering once every 10–15 days is normal. Besides the season, you should also observe the state of the sphagnum moss. Before each watering, part the surface layer of the sphagnum moss and touch it with your hand. If it still feels moist, hold off on watering. If the sphagnum moss has dried out and becomes hard, even crumbling slightly when pinched, it's time to water.

Some people might ask, "Can I water a little each time to keep the sphagnum moss constantly moist?" Actually, no! If the sphagnum moss is too wet, it will promote the growth of various bacteria and fungi. For example, the common root rot disease occurs because the sphagnum moss remains damp for a long time, allowing pathogens to multiply and erode the orchid's roots. At first, only the root tips may turn black, but if not treated promptly, the entire root will rot, the leaves will turn yellow and soften, and eventually, the whole plant will wither. Even without disease, an overly wet environment will make the roots of phalaenopsis orchids fragile and reduce their resistance.

The correct way to water is to "water thoroughly and drain well". Find a large basin, fill it with water, place the phalaenopsis orchid (with the pot and sphagnum moss) into the basin, and let the sphagnum moss absorb water fully for about 15–20 minutes. Then take it out and drain the excess water. This ensures that the phalaenopsis orchid is sufficiently hydrated without waterlogging. If you're worried about mastering the watering frequency, you can also buy a soil moisture meter, insert it into the pot, and water when the reading indicates it's almost dry.

Watering phalaenopsis orchids with sphagnum moss is truly a skill. Never water excessively for convenience. Instead, observe more, judge frequently, and keep the sphagnum moss moderately dry and wet. Only then can phalaenopsis orchids grow strong white roots and bloom beautiful flowers.