Tips for Beginners with Watering?

[donsjuand]

I was hoping we could provide whatever advice and tips/tricks some more experienced growers could provide to orchid newbies with Phalaenopsis.

Post whatever you find helped you get the right watering regime.

[cindiras]

first tip: When you water, use a LOT of water, but don't water very often!

[donsjuand]

Good advice Cinderas, keep them coming guys!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Have you read the articles about Phalaenopsis orchids in the Orchid Article Library here in the forum? Some very good advice there on watering and the amount. Here is an excerpt from my article on growing the phal orchid:

.....A note about watering your orchid: Depending on the potting media your orchid is living in, the pot size, the amount of humidity you are able to supply, heck, even the time of the year, your watering routine will change. Without a doubt, over watering or lack of water kills more orchids grown in the home than just about anything else. So, how do phals like to be watered? Like all epiphytic orchids, phalaenopsis orchids like to have their roots soaked and then dry off before the day is over. Orchids growing in their native locations often get rain every day, but then the sun and wind dry the roots off almost immediately allowing for lots of humidity and great growing environments. In our homes, things work differently. Here is a suggested way to water: First, soak the entire media with fresh, clean water by running water through the pot for several minutes. This removes bad salts that fertilizers cause and also allows your orchids roots to 'open' and accept the moisture. Next, place the pot so that it can drain completely and easily. Never put the pot on a dish that will allow water to stand in the base of the pot. Just leave the pot in your sink or dish drainer for around 30 - 40 minutes while you are doing something else. Then return your orchid to its proper location on the humidity tray.

How often should I water my Phalaenopsis Orchid? Here is how to tell. Because of the factors mentioned above, watering ...READ MORE

Check out the other articles in the orchid article library and also the posts in the forum via a tag search for Water this will return 40+ posts on a range of water/ orchid related questions.

Good luck to you.

Cheers,
BD

[donsjuand]

Yeah, that's good stuff BD. I welcome any kind of sound advice/tips/tricks! It's nice to hear what different people find works for them.

[Germinatorman]

My bit of advice is to learn what works for you - you can read and read but you must pay attention to your particular environment. There are many guidelines to follow, but do so loosely, be attentive - watch your plants and you will discover that you have developed the regime that works for you. BDs comments are great.

[Alcymus]

It surely is great to know that on this forum people could provide info and experiences on how to properly water orchids..im new at this so please bear with me if Im going to be asking a lot of questions...What exactly is the correct watering procedure for orchids??