How Often to Water Orchids: Tips and Recommendations

Knowing how to often to water your orchid is an essential part if its care. Typically, you will need to water your orchid once a week but this will depend on several factors that we will outline in this blog.

It is best to water your orchid in the morning so that any excess water or splashes on leaves can evaporate throughout the day. This is important because it will ensure that watering does not lead to any problems with root or leaf rot.

How often should you water an orchid?

One of the most common mistakes made when caring for an orchid plant is overwatering. Signs that your orchid has been overwatered include a foul smell, mushy or yellowing leaves. If you see wrinkled leaves and dry roots on the other hand, this would suggest it has been underwatered.

Here our top tips on what things to consider so that you know how often you should water your orchid.

How often do you water an orchid – Tip 1

Time of year:

Throughout the year, the temperature inside your house will vary depending on the season. For example, most houses are warmer in summer months and colder in winter months.

In summer months you can expect your orchid will need more water. This is because to warmer weather and higher temperatures cause water to evapourate more quickly.

In the cooler, winter months, you can expect to water your orchid less. It is important to be mindful of central heating throughout the winter. This may increase the temperature and therefore increase how often you need to water your orchid. Heating can cause the air around your plants to be dry and this results in your plants drying out more quickly from the heat.

As a guide, if the potting mix and roots feel dry, then it is time to water or if they still feel wet, then hold off for a few days.

How often do you water orchids – Tip 2

Location of orchid:

The location of your orchid will also play a vital role in how often it needs watering. An orchid in a humid bathroom will need to be watered less than an orchid located on a dry, sunny windowsill.

As a guide, if the potting mix and roots still feel wet from the last time the plant was watered. Then hold off for a few days and check again. If they are dry, then its time to water.

How often do you water orchid plants – Tip 3

Quality of potting medium:

If your potting medium quality is poor, the drainage will not be as good for your orchid compared to the use of a high quality potting mix.

When you water an orchid, the water should freely drain through. If your potting medium is poor, then it may cause water to be retained in the potting mix for too long. Consequently this will cause issues such as root rot.

If you need some further advice on when and how to replace your potting mix, our blog How to repot an orchid plant has all the information you need.

How often should you water a orchid – Tip 4

Your orchid plant goes through various cycles in its lifespan. Including flowering and resting phases. These phases have different watering needs as outlined below.

Flowering phase:

The flowering phase, sometimes referred to as the blooming phase is when you will see flowers present on your orchid. During this phase, you may need to water your orchid more often. This is because your orchide will lose more water through its flowers.

You should feel the potting mix and roots and if they feel dry, its time to water. Still wet, then hold off for a few days and check again.

Resting phase:

During the resting phase. Your orchid plant will typically be saving its energy in preparation for the next flowering season. If your orchid has dropped it's flowers and the spikes turn yellow, this is likely to suggest your orchid has entered its resting phase.

In the resing phase, it is import to water your orchid once a week. This will help the stems and roots to continue growing in preparation for the new flowering phase.

During this phase it is important to monitor the dryness of the potting mix and roots. If they feel dry, its time to water. If they still feel wet, hold off for a day or so, then check again.

How often to water an orchid plant – Tip 5

Size of your orchid:

The size of your orchid plant will have an impact on how often you need to water it. A larger orchid plant will typically require watering more often. This is because the plant will have a larger root network, more stems and more leaves. Consequently your plant will need more water to grow compared to a smaller orchid plant.

Checking the dryness of the potting medium and roots is important here. Dry means it needs watering and if it is still wet from your previously watering then hold off for a few days.

How often do I water an orchid plant – Tip 6

Use a specialist myst product:

Orchids love humid environments. High humidity it mimics the plants natural tropical environment. A quick and easy way to increase the humidity levels around your orchid is to use a orchid myst product.

By increasing the humidity, the rate of water loss from your plant will be less, so you won’t need to water as often.

Using a myst also gives your orchid plant a range of essential nutrients.

If you are unsure on whether to water, always check the potting mix and roots. Dry = water your orchid, wet = hold off for a few days.

Additional tips to complement your watering routine

Bonus Tip 1 - Use a suitable watering accessory

There are a number of products that you can use to water your orchids, here are some of the most popular ways.

Watering cans – Watering cans are an ideal choice if you want to target watering a particular spot. The spout on a waterin can means you can better aim where water is going when you water your orchid. This can be particularly helpful if you are prone to underwatering your orchid. A watering can helps you see where the water is going. Therefore you know whether you need to add anymore to a specific plant or spot.

Watering jugs – Watering jugs make a great choice if you want to see the amount of water you are adding to your plant. This makes them ideal if you are prone to overwatering. Watering jugs are easier to fill and smaller compared to a watering can due to their open top. They help you to manage the amount of water you give your plant, which helps you to stop overwatering.

Bonus Tip 2 - Choose a specialist orchid pot

An orchid pot is one that is narrower at the bottom compared to the top. This raises the inner pot inside so that the roots aren’t in contact with any excess water.

The use of a specialist orchid pot is great if you are prone to overwatering. This is because any excess water will drain to the bottom of the pot keeping it away from your roots and stoppin them form rotting.

An orchid plant pot will make it less likely that you overwater. You will be able to hear the water drips through the pot. If you spot a puddle at the bottom, you might be adding a bit much water to your plant! Using a non specialised orchid pot not only stops you being able to hear excess water pass through your pot. But it will potentially also allow the orchid roots to sit in water. Which is bad for your plant.

Final thoughts on how often to water orchids

By following our tips and advice and including these into your orchid watering routine, you will help your orchids to be happier and healthier. You will also be able to adapt and adjust your routine throught the year and lifecycle of your orchid. No you know what factors are important in your decision making when it comes to how often to water your orchid with confidence.

When watering your orchids, supplementing your watering routine with a dedicated orchid fertiliser will help to provide your orchid plant with the of essential nutrients it needs. In fact, the majority of orchid feeds are concentrated solutions. This makes them easy to use. Simply add to water when you are watering your orchid.

If you need some advice on how to water orchid, our blog how to water your orchids has all the tips you need.

Take your time, carefully monitor your orchids for any changes. Be aware of the different times of the year and assess whether your need to adjust how often you water your orchid. It will help you to keep your plants in top condition and support strong flowers.