How do I water a Phalaenopsis in a 4-6 inch diameter pot - Orchid Board

orchidkilla · #1 02-25-2011, 02:20 AM

I am asking how to physically transfer the water from a bucket of room temperature water to a Phalaenopsis plant. Sometimes the simplest question goes unanswered in all the technical details. I've seen many instructions on how to water as follows:

In winter water once a week, in summer water twice a week or as often as every 3 days. I've also seen water when the medium is dry throughout, meaning the bigger the plant the less often you water, and humidity matters.

The above is all valid useful information, that answers the question when to water the moth orchid. Failing to answer the question how do you water a Phalaenopsis orchid. I've also seen, fertilize often and lightly, every 4-5 waterings with water only and no fertilizer.

What I'm asking is the exact details, how do you get the water from the bucket, jug, container containing the water + fertilizer into the medium without killing the moth orchid.

I'm also asking where do you pour the water, I keep thinking orchids are tomato plants, and I want to pour right into the crown. How close to the crown should I pour? If I just pour on one outside edge, how will the other roots get water? Is it important for all the roots to get water, and should all the medium get moist?

What type of device should I use to get the water from the bucket/jug into the medium? Should I use a wide mouth jug? A siphon? A small watering can, with a narrow spout so I can aim the spout?

Approx. how much water should I pour for a 4 inch pot with a phal inside, how about a 6 inch diameter pot? How about alternative watering methods like misting or soaking the pot within a bowl so the water is absorbed through the roots.

Am I being too picky/precise? I hate failures and I take comfort in knowing that I'm doing the right thing, and it isn't my fault if something goes wrong.

rangiku · #2 02-25-2011, 04:49 AM

I put my orchids in the kitchen sink and fill a turkey baster with water+fertilizer from a gallon jug and very carefully apply it to the base of the plant directly on the medium whether it is moss or bark. I water one side, turn it around and water the other side.

If it is in moss, I usually water 2 to 4 baster full of water. If bark, then at least 4 (I've heard 10 seconds worth of water draining out the bottom), and if needed water again in 15-30 minutes. You could always start with less and see how fast your plants are drying out. I leave bamboo skewers in the media to help assess its dryness. When the skewer is almost dry, I water.

Your idea of a small watering can with a narrow spout sounds good, too.

I'd avoid misting if your orchids are phals. As for soaking, bark tends to float out of the pot, but more importantly you don't want soak an orchid and then put another one in the same soak water as it can transfer disease or pests. If you use S/H, then each plant has its own reservoir of water+fertilizer to draw from.

If I get water on any of the leaves I immediately wipe it off with a tissue, using the corners of the tissue if water gets the crown. It's really important not to get water in the crown or on the leaves.

And, of course, use that turkey baster only for watering.

camille1585 · #3 02-25-2011, 05:09 AM

I put my orchids (the ones potted in bark) directly in the bucket of water and let them soak 20-30 minutes. The water level in the bucket is right below the top of the pots.

If you're pouring water through the pot, just water the entire surface of the medium. I usually pour about 1/2 liter through the pot (don't have time right now to look up the conversion). As long as you're not pouring water from really high up it's hard to splash water into the crown.
I'm wondering if you aren't confused by what the crown actually is? Sounds like you are using the word crown like it = stem. The crown is actually the 'hole' where the leaves grow from the top of the plant.

Even if you do get water in it, it's not an issue as long as you remove it. You can either soak it up with a corner of papertowel, or blow it out (just with your mouth or by using a straw)

orchidkilla · #4 02-25-2011, 05:23 AM

Good info, thank you. I'm going to try to water my phals now. I decided the 20-30 minutes in a bowl of water would be the easiest. I'm soaking one of my three smaller orchids in sorghum moss medium in water now. I don't think its a good idea to reuse the water, I noticed the water is slight brown now.

My 6 inch Phal has bark and perilite and some black dirt like medium, I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to soak it. I'm thinking yes since I want to change the medium as soon as its done blooming, so I know how old the medium is.

pedidiva · #5 02-25-2011, 08:21 AM

I water both ways--either soaking the entire pot with plant in it--water comes over top of pot--then draining.

If I don't have time for that, I water with a quart size jar from the gallon bucket & let the water run through. I then save that water to water the other non-orchid plants.

At the local botanical gardens, they water from an overhead sprinkler. The plants are drenched. I asked about crown rot. They have never had a problem as they water early AM (say 9ish) & the plant dries.

Looks like there are many ways to water. Find what works best for you.

orchidkilla · #6 02-25-2011, 03:38 PM

I try to water around 5:30-6 am. As for the big garden centers not having crown rot, many have good air circulation. I'm not sure what a botanical garden is.