How often do these need water? And how long should continue to bloom

Karen
by Karen
  6 answers
  • DesertRose DesertRose on Jun 04, 2018

    My Grandma was the best gardener I ever knew. She taught me to put my finger in the soil to my first knuckle. If it felt moist, no watering. If it felt dry, water it well and really soak it. Then leave it until it feels dry up to the first knuckle again.

  • Tonia Tonia on Jun 04, 2018

    You need 2 ice cubes once a month. No more.

  • Elaine Elaine on Jun 04, 2018

    Re the answer from Lenora, Gillette, WY, this is absolutely correct IF a plant is in SOIL, however, orchids are tropical plants that basically grow on tree bark in warmer climates. They do not grow upright, that’s why they need a stick to support them. Their blossoms “hang downward” from the bark to which their roots are clinging. The photo you show is of a Phaelonopsis or Moth Orchid and VERY easy to care for.


    I grow many of this species and never give them ice cubes. There are no ice cubes in the Amazon jungles so I avoid that, however, some people use this method.


    Once a week, I take each orchid to the sink then run lukewarm water straight from the tap for a good minute or more until I think the bark is well soaked. Don’t hurry this step! Usually, Orchids come in clear plastic pots so you will easily see the bark turn darker as it gets well soaked. Let the orchid drain in the sink for about ten minutes, tilting it now and then so residual water at the bottom drips out. This step prevents “root rot“. Then put it back in its decorative outer pot. Do this, as I said, once a week. That’s it! Easy!


    About once a year (or year and a half), I change the bark. Again, it is very easy to do. Go on You Tube for that as it is lengthy to type and easier if you can visually follow it.


    One more thing ... when the blossoms drop off, IF the stem stays green, don’t cut it off as new blossoms will often form on the stem. If it turns brown, you can cut it back. After their blooming period (which can often last five months or more), be very, very patient as the plant needs to rest. You probably won’t see any more blooms for five months or so but the orchid will bloom again! Good luck!



  • Elaine Elaine on Jun 04, 2018

    PS: I forgot one other little tip ... when watering your orchid, if you accidentally get water in the little V shaped areas (where new leaves form), twirl a piece of Kleenex into a pointed end and “”wick” away or sop up any water sitting in the grooves of the leaves as this helps avoid “crown rot”.


    You could turn the plant upside down and accomplish the same thing, however, the bark chips will fall out!

  • Mid5934466 Mid5934466 on Jun 12, 2018

    I've had the same orchid for 10 years now. I water it once a month, 8 ounces of room temp water poured carefully into the bark. It blooms once a year for weeks at a time. Once the blooms fall off I look at the stem and cut it back about a third to one of the "bumps" on the stem. It often reblooms then!