Watering orchids is more of an art than a science, a task that becomes easier as you get to know these beautiful blooming plants. You will notice potted orchids are usually grown in bark chips or moss instead of potting soil like most other house plants, which is your first clue that orchids have some special hydration needs.

But like caring for any plant, it is important to avoid giving your orchids too much or too little moisture if you would like a long-term relationship with them. These tips will help you avoid common watering mistakes so you can keep your orchids happy and thriving.

How much water do indoor orchids need?

In general, the types of orchids most commonly grown as house plants come from tropical regions of the world, but that does not mean they like constant dampness. And rather than growing on the ground in soil, these tropical orchid species are actually epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). That means their roots work a little differently than the roots of your other indoor plants, which is why orchids won’t appreciate growing in regular potting soil. Orchid roots need more air (they can even photosynthesise like leaves do in sunlight) and the chance to dry out between waterings.

So if you are wondering how much water to give your orchids, it is better to give them too little water than too much.

When to water orchids

How often to water your orchids depends on a number of factors, including how warm it is in your house, how much light the plants get and the potting medium, and even the type of container your plants are growing in. Rather than watering on a schedule (every Saturday, for example), it is best to look for certain clues to figure out when your orchid needs more water.

All orchid mixes should be moistened thoroughly each time you water, then allowed to dry out almost completely before rehydrating. Before watering, poke your finger into the moss or bark up to the first knuckle to make sure it feels completely dry. If you prefer not to get too touchy-feely, use the tip of a sharpened pencil, chopstick, or wooden skewer instead to perform this poke test.

If you see any moisture darkening the wood, hold off on watering.

It is also best to water orchids in the morning, so that any splashes on leaves will evaporate faster in the warmer day temperatures.

If any water gets inside the places where leaves meet the stems of an orchid, this could cause rot, so make sure to wipe any droplets away with a soft cloth or blot with a paper towel.

The best way to water orchids grown in bark

The goal is to saturate the bark pieces, which takes more than a little sprinkle from a watering can. The best way to water orchids potted in bark is to place the entire pot into a bowl that’s at least as deep as the bark line.

Then, pour water over the bark so it fills the bowl to just below the lip of the pot. If you put water in the bowl first, you are likely to push the bark out of the pot when you sink it into the water. Let the bark soak for 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the pot out of the water, let the excess water drain out, and return your orchid to its regular spot.

The best way to water orchids grown in moss

For orchids growing in sphagnum moss, you can water these from the top, the way you water other plants. However, you may find it easier to soak your orchids in the sink or a basin to give the moss enough time to rehydrate.

Sphagnum moss, which holds on to moisture longer than bark chips, can feel dry on the surface but still be damp inside the pot so make sure to do a poke test with your finger or wooden stake.

Over watering your orchids growing in moss is even easier to do if they’re in a plastic, glazed ceramic, or glass pot that retains water longer than a terracotta pot.

If you start seeing any brown or squishy roots, you should definitely hold off on watering  — Better Homes Gardens