Learn how to properly water phalaenopsis (moth orchid) so the plant thrives and continues to flower in your indoor garden.
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Today, I’m continuing with my series on orchid care, specifically indoor orchid care, to help you keep the beautiful moth orchid, also known as Phalaenopsis, nice and healthy. I’m going to discuss watering your orchid, and these tips can apply to other types of orchids as well.
As I mentioned in a previous care video on this beautiful orchid (and this is true for other orchids as well), these plants grow outdoors in nature by attaching themselves to trees. Orchids grow suspended in what appears to us as upside down, but it’s their natural orientation. They are epiphytic, meaning that these roots — these spongy green roots you’ll see on the plants — attach to trees to keep the plant stable while absorbing water and nutrients from the surrounding environment.
The bark that the orchid is potted in isn’t actually soil for the plant but is there to help hold the plant up. Where problems arise in growing orchids indoors is that people tend to overwater them. One reason they overwater is because the orchid is growing in bark, and the bark often looks dry, leading people to think they need to water again. Another reason is that this particular orchid is in a pot without a drainage hole. I’ve been careful to hold it up so it doesn’t sit in water, but if you want to be on the safer side, I suggest placing your orchid in a pot that drains.
Some pots come with a removable plug at the bottom for drainage, but this one does not. A pot with drainage allows the plant to avoid sitting in water, which is essential, as orchids dislike being waterlogged. Simply looking at the bark and deciding it looks dry isn’t an accurate way to determine if the plant needs water. Instead, it’s best to use a moisture meter to check. For orchids, aim to see the meter in the four or five range — no higher — ideally just as it approaches dryness.
I just tested this plant, and it’s showing as “wet,” meaning it definitely doesn’t need watering for now. When checking moisture, be sure to test multiple areas of the pot. This particular plant was watered recently, so it’s showing as moist throughout, which is normal for orchids as they are not heavy drinkers. Unlike other plants that guzzle water, orchids absorb what they need from the air around them and do not require frequent watering.
As I mentioned earlier, aim to water only when the meter reads in the four or five range, just as it approaches dryness. If you’re using a pot without a drainage hole, you might want to add some pebbles to create a humidity tray. This allows excess moisture to collect at the bottom without soaking the roots. A smart practice is to water the orchid over the sink and allow it to drain completely before returning it to the pot. And, ideally, use a pot with a drainage hole so any excess moisture can flow out naturally.
And that is how to water your beautiful orchids! Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, hit the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Orchid Care
Can you reuse potting soil for orchids?
Yes, you can reuse potting soil for orchids with some precautions. Avoid using soil that’s over five years old, as it may contain excessive salts and deteriorated structure. For soil between one and three years old, make sure to discard if it was previously used with plants that suffered from root rot or pest infestations.
What is the best way to water orchids?
Orchids prefer to be watered only when necessary. Use a moisture meter to check the soil and water only when it reads in the four or five range. Be careful not to overwater, as orchids do not require frequent watering.
Why is it essential for orchids to have a pot with drainage holes?
Orchids are susceptible to root rot when left sitting in water. Using a pot with drainage holes allows excess water to escape, preventing overwatering and helping to maintain healthy roots.
How can I tell if my orchid needs water?
Simply looking at the bark is not an accurate indicator. Instead, use a moisture meter. When the meter shows a reading of four or five, it indicates the orchid is approaching dryness and may need water.
What type of potting mix should I use for orchids?
Orchids require a loose, airy medium like bark, as they are epiphytic plants that attach to trees in nature. The bark helps hold the orchid in place, but it does not serve as traditional soil, as orchids absorb nutrients from the air.
Can I use pebbles in the pot to help with humidity for my orchid?
Yes, adding pebbles can create a humidity tray, allowing excess moisture to collect at the bottom without saturating the orchid’s roots.
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