Orchid Watering Questions

[HHLL38]

I keep reading that when watering your orchids the roots should turn a nice green color, indicating that they've got their fill. Mine always seem to remain a silvery color, i run them under tap water for a minute or so, letting the water run through the pots, am I overconcerned?

Should I try the dunking method?

Anyone have any advice on what seems to work best for them? I'm just concerned I'm not giving them enough water, I've never seen green plump roots.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hey Sam,

I bet your definition of green is just a bit different. Take a look at this video I did about dendrobium keikis. Near the start of the video, you will see me running water over the white roots and the roots start to turn greenish. The longer I run the water, the more solid the green becomes and the more flexible. But they are never grass green.



Hope this helps.

cheers,
BD

[HHLL38]

I think I see what you're saying, I think i'm just fussing too much.

I mist the plants probably three times a day, in an attempt to raise humidity not so much to water.

[catttan]

Sam, I think you are overly concerned. Much of the older part of the roots is covered by a spongy silvery layer called the velamen and no amount of watering is going to turn that green. I'm sure your orchid roots are perfectly healthy.

[HHLL38]

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[wetfeet101b]

It really depends on the type of orchid.
Some orchids quickly change color to a green shade when they absorb water. On some orchids the color change is barely noticeable even though they are in fact absorbing water.