Do you want your orchid to bloom for a long time and beautifully? Then you must follow these four principles

Orchids are characterized by beautiful flowers. Orchids are ornamental houseplants and every grower’s goal is for them to bloom as long as possible. Some orchids can bloom continuously for up to half a year. If you want your orchids to bloom beautifully as well, you must create suitable conditions for them that resemble their natural environment. One of these is correct watering, which is not as simple as it appears at first glance. Read what you must do so you can enjoy beautiful flowers for as long as possible.

How to water orchids correctly

If your orchid is not flowering, consider whether you are really watering it correctly. Poor watering technique is one of the most common causes. Either you water it too little, or conversely too much. What is the right way?

1. An orchid must be thoroughly watered (until flooded), but then you must wait until the substrate is dry. How do you tell? Just stick your finger about 2 cm into the soil. If you feel moisture and coolness, wait before watering
2. The most ideal watering technique is to immerse the pot in water. Then simply let the excess water drain away. An orchid cannot stand in water for a long time nor can you keep watering it continuously without waiting until all the moisture has been absorbed from the substrate. If you overwater it, its roots will begin to rot (they will suffocate) and of course it will stop flowering
3. Soft water (without calcium content) is best for watering orchids. That means either boiled water or distilled. If you have hard water, add a pinch of citric acid to the container. The acid will change the pH of the water. The water will have a slightly acidic taste
4. From time to time check the condition of the plant’s roots. If they are white, everything is fine. If they have changed color, it is quite likely that you are overwatering the plant. In that case you must let the roots dry out and adjust the watering (wait until the substrate has dried – see point 1). Excessive fertilization can also cause a change in root color

More useful tips and advice

Always water the plants with lukewarm water, not cold. From time to time water the orchid using a spray bottle or shower it. However, the orchid must dry before night so it does not start to rot.