How to water orchids to help them thrive year after year

Orchids are one of the most common houseplants, but even though they're popular, it can be tricky to know how to look after them properly. There's a lot of debate around how to water orchids, in particular.

Learning how to care for an orchid is a process, and watering too much or too little can be detrimental to the plant's health. But how do you get the balance right?

'It’s better to underwater orchids than to overwater them,' says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of The Unkillables. 'Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common cause of death for orchids. Orchids are more tolerant of dry conditions than of sitting in soggy soil.'

We've asked the experts how to water orchids to ensure your plants thrive every season.

How to water orchids

When it comes to learning how to water orchids, one of the most important things to watch out for is excess water.

'Be careful not to let water sit on the plant between the leaves and the stem as this can cause root rot – dry with a tissue if necessary,' explains Fiona Jenkins, landscaper and gardening expert for Myjobquote.co.uk.

'However, you can sit your orchid pot on a shallow dish filled with stones and some water. As the water evaporates, it will humidify the air around the orchid.' You could also try a plug-in humidifier to create optimal conditions for your orchid.

'Orchids are tropical plants, which means they love humidity,' echoes Suzie Woolley, head of plants at Serenata Flowers. 'They will do well in a steamy bathroom.'

Fiona Jenkins

Fiona is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote's tradespeople and homeowners.

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How often should you water orchids?

There are a range of factors which affect how often you'll need to water your orchid.

'The frequency of watering can vary depending on factors such as the type of orchid, the potting medium used, the temperature, humidity, and the amount of light the orchid receives,' says Jack Sutcliffe, co-founder of Yorkshire-based shed manufacturer Power Sheds.

'As a general guideline, most orchids should be watered about once a week. However, it's always best to observe the plant and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.'

But how can you tell if an orchid needs to be watered? 'The best way to determine if your orchid needs to be watered is to check the potting medium,' explains gardening expert Fiona. 'This will typically be bark or sphagnum moss. Bark allows good drainage and oxygen circulation, while sphagnum moss holds more water so is ideal for young orchids.'

It's important to make sure that the potting mix is moist but not soggy. 'Put your finger or a wooden skewer into the potting mix to test how damp it is,' says Fiona. 'Even if the surface of the potting medium is dry, the roots may still be hydrated, so it’s important to check to a depth of around 2-3cm.'

The roots can also signal whether watering is needed. 'Plunge the whole pot in tepid water for 10 seconds once the large fleshy roots have turned silver,' says Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World. 'So long as the roots are green, they don’t require any water.'

How much water does an orchid need?

So, now we know how to tell if an orchid needs watering – but how much water does an orchid need?

'When watering your orchid, the potting medium should be thoroughly dampened,' says Fiona.

The plunging method is a popular watering technique for orchids. 'I usually recommend immersing the pot in water for about 10 to 15 minutes so the roots can soak up moisture without letting the crown sit in water, which can lead to rot,' says Georgina O'Grady, managing director at Evergreen Direct.

For an orchid in sphagnum moss, take a slightly softer approach to watering. 'Place the orchid in a sink and let lukewarm water run through the potting medium until it’s fully soaked, allowing the water to drain out completely,' says Jo from Beards & Daisies. 'This ensures that the roots are adequately hydrated without becoming waterlogged!'

What time of the day should you water orchids?

Just as the amount and the method for how to water orchids is rather specific, it turns out they even have a preference for the time of day (divas).

'Water your orchid early in the morning so that any excess moisture on the leaves or in the crown can dry out during the day,' advises Jack from Power Sheds. 'This helps prevent the growth of fungi or bacteria that can harm the plant.'

Should you water your orchids with ice cubes?

One method many of us have heard over the years is to place an ice cube on your orchid and treat it as a slow watering hack. However, some things are too easy to be true.

'Some people advise that you can water orchids with ice cubes as they believe that it simplifies the watering routine, but we suggest that you use room temperature water when watering most plants, as water that's too cold can shock the roots,' warns Suzie from Serenata Flowers.

'It may be easy and convenient and also helps prevent overwatering, but this technique can also lead to underwatering,' adds Jack from Power Shed.

FAQs

Should orchids be watered with tap water?

If orchids are that picky, does it matter what type of water you should use? Well, yes, to a point. But don't worry, you don't have to go breaking out the Evian.

'Orchids can be watered with tap water, but it depends on the quality of the water,' says Jo from Beards & Daisies. 'Tap water that is high in minerals, chlorine, or salts can harm orchids over time. If possible, use distilled water or rainwater.'

Should I mist my orchids every day?

You've probably seen lots of advice around misting orchids, but can you do it every day?

'Misting daily can help, but be careful not to overdo it,' advises Georgina from Evergreen Direct. 'A few light mists a week, ensuring good airflow, can keep your orchids happy.'

All in all, your orchid will tell you what it needs – you just need to know what to look for. They may sound tricky, but once you've cracked how to water orchids, you'll be well on your way to ensuring beautiful blooms for years to come.