Proper watering is one of the most important parts of growing healthy, beautiful orchids. It’s also one of the
areas where new orchid growers tend to have the most questions. How often should you water an orchid?
How much water does it need? And how can you tell when it’s time to water again?

While the exact watering needs of an orchid can vary depending on the variety, growing medium,
temperature, humidity, and time of year, there are a few simple guidelines that can help you keep your
orchids thriving.

How Often Should You Water Orchids?

As a general rule, most orchids should be watered about once a week, although some may need water
slightly more or less frequently depending on their environment.

Rather than following a strict schedule, pay attention to the growing medium. Orchids generally prefer to dry out most of the way between waterings. If the potting medium is still damp, your orchid probably isn’t ready for more water.

During warmer months or periods of active growth, orchids may require more frequent watering. During cooler months, they may take longer to dry out.

Avoid Overwatering Your Orchid

One of the most common mistakes in orchid care is giving the plant too much water.

Orchid roots need both moisture and oxygen. When the growing medium remains constantly wet, the roots can begin to deteriorate and may eventually develop root rot.

Always make sure your orchid is planted in a container with adequate drainage. After watering, excess water should be able to flow freely from the pot rather than collecting around the roots.

Remember: orchids generally tolerate being slightly too dry better than being constantly wet.

The Best Way to Water an Orchid

When your orchid is ready for water, thoroughly wet the growing medium and allow the excess water to
drain completely.

Try to water the roots and growing medium rather than pouring water directly into the center of the plant. This is particularly important with Phalaenopsis orchids, where water can collect in the crown and potentially cause problems if it remains there.

After watering, return the orchid to a location with good air circulation and bright, filtered light.

Pay Attention to Your Orchid’s Roots

The roots can tell you quite a bit about your orchid’s condition.

Healthy orchid roots are typically firm rather than soft or mushy. Depending on the orchid and growing conditions, roots may appear green when hydrated and become lighter or silvery as they dry.

Learning to recognize these changes can make it much easier to determine when your orchid actually needs water instead of relying entirely on the calendar.

Your Growing Medium Makes a Difference

Not every orchid dries at the same rate.

Orchids planted in bark-based growing media may dry relatively quickly, while media that retain more moisture can stay damp considerably longer. Pot size, airflow, humidity, and the type of container can also affect how quickly an orchid dries.

This is why two orchids sitting next to each other may not always need to be watered at exactly the same time.

Adjust Your Watering With the Seasons

Your orchid’s watering requirements can change throughout the year.

Warmer temperatures, longer days, and active growth can cause an orchid to use water more quickly. During cooler periods or when growth slows, the growing medium may stay moist longer.

Get into the habit of checking your orchid before watering it rather than automatically reaching for the watering can on the same day every week.

Healthy Orchids Start With the Right Care

Growing orchids doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you learn to recognize when your plants need water,
maintaining a healthy collection becomes much easier.

At Odom’s Orchids, we’ve been growing orchids since 1952 and are happy to help growers of all experience levels find beautiful plants and learn how to care for them. Whether you’re adding your first orchid or expanding an established collection, proper watering, light, airflow, humidity, and nutrition will help your orchids flourish.

Looking to add another orchid to your collection? Shop orchids for sale online from Odom’s Orchids and explore our selection of beautiful orchids available for nationwide shipping.