TheNaturePlanet

Many orchid enthusiasts worry about their Phalaenopsis in autumn: as the temperature gradually drops, they fear root rot if they water too much, yet also fear the plants drying out if they water too little. So, how often is it appropriate to water them? In fact, watering Phalaenopsis in autumn requires care. You should neither blindly stick to a fixed watering schedule nor fail to adjust based on the plant's growth status. Below, we will clarify the frequency, timing, and precautions for watering in autumn to help you keep your Phalaenopsis fresh and healthy.

There is no absolutely uniform standard for the watering frequency of Phalaenopsis in autumn, but **watering once every 7-10 days** is usually sufficient. However, this is only a reference; the key lies in the environment. If the humidity at home is high (such as in southern China during autumn), the growing medium dries slowly, so you can extend the interval by 2-3 days. If autumn in your area is dry and windy (like in northern China), the growing medium dries out quickly, so you should appropriately shorten the interval. Do not rigidly adhere to the "7-10 day" rule; flexibility is the key.

Let’s talk about the timing of watering. In autumn, many Phalaenopsis enter the spike formation stage. A lack of water during this period can easily affect the growth of flower spikes, but over-frequent watering should also be avoided. It is best to water when the growing medium is about 80% dry. For example, you can dig into the surface of the sphagnum moss or bark with your hand—if the underlying medium feels dry and has no moisture, or if you lift the flower pot and it feels significantly lighter, then it is time to water. Never wait until the growing medium is completely dry and the roots become wrinkled before watering, as this can easily damage the roots and affect subsequent flowering.

There are also several precautions to keep in mind:
- The air is dry in autumn. If the humidity at home is below 50%, relying solely on watering is not enough. You can use a spray bottle to mist the air around the leaves (do not spray directly on the leaf centers or flower spikes to avoid rotting) every morning and evening. This increases air humidity, which not only keeps the leaves green but also prevents pests like red spiders that thrive in dry environments.
- Additionally, it is best to use tap water that has been left to stand for 1-2 days or boiled and cooled water for watering. The water temperature should not be too cold; it is ideal for it to be close to room temperature to avoid stimulating the roots with cold water. When watering, pour slowly along the edge of the flower pot to allow the growing medium to absorb water fully. Do not rinse the roots directly to reduce the risk of root rot.