Isn't watering Phalaenopsis orchids the most troublesome part of growing them? Many people aren't sure, "Do I water my Phalaenopsis orchid the same way all year round?" Here’s the honest truth—watering Phalaenopsis orchids must be seasonal! The watering routine changes drastically with the seasons, and getting it wrong can lead to root rot in no time!
Let’s start with spring. During this time, Phalaenopsis orchids begin to grow new leaves and send out flower spikes. But the weather can be unpredictable in spring, fluctuating between cold and warm with lots of rain, so you need to be cautious with watering. About once every 10 days is enough. Choose a sunny day in the morning to water, and make sure the water is at room temperature before you use it. Remember to pour the water slowly along the edge of the pot, never directly into the center of the leaves! Last time, my friend accidentally poured water into the leaf center, and it rotted like soaked wood ears—such a heartache!
When summer arrives, watering needs to speed up! The heat makes the sphagnum moss dry out faster than you can imagine. When the moss feels crispy and the pot becomes lighter, it’s time to water. Water once every 5 to 7 days, but don't do what my mom does and water it every day. Phalaenopsis orchids have aerial roots, and if they’re submerged in water, they’ll rot like tofu! It's best to water in the evening, avoiding the harsh midday sun. After watering, empty the water from the tray within half an hour to prevent water from accumulating and causing issues. During summer, when I run the air conditioning on the balcony, I also spray the surrounding area to increase humidity, keeping the leaves nice and hydrated.
Autumn is a turning point, and watering should be "steady." During this time, Phalaenopsis orchids are storing energy for blooming, so while they need moisture, you shouldn’t overdo it. Water about once every 7 to 10 days, and choose a warm midday to do so. Autumn can be quite dry, so I spray water around the pot every morning. Important! Don’t spray the flower buds—last time, I sprayed two buds, and they dropped within three days. That was a painful lesson!
Winter is the most challenging! When the temperature drops below 15°C, Phalaenopsis orchids go into dormancy, so watering needs to be minimal. Water once every 2 to 3 weeks, preferably on the warmest part of the day. Pre-warm the water for half a day and never use cold water directly from the tap—last year, my neighbor tried to save time by watering with tap water, and the roots froze and turned black, almost ruining the whole plant. Don’t water unless the potting material is completely dry; the "dry rather than wet" rule is key!
Here’s a universal tip: No matter the season, before watering, check the top layer of the potting material. If the bottom 2 cm is dry, then water. Alternatively, stick a toothpick into the pot; if there’s no moisture when you pull it out, it’s time to water. Remember, Phalaenopsis orchids don’t die from thirst, but they can drown easily!
By adjusting your watering routine with the seasons, your Phalaenopsis orchid will have lush, green leaves and bloom continuously. Have any watering mishaps? Feel free to share them in the comments!
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