Exotic orchids originally hail from warm, humid rainforests where they’re constantly surrounded by moisture. If you want your orchids to thrive and show off those stunning blooms, getting the watering right is hands-down one of the most important parts of your care routine.
Aerial Roots Need Love Too
In the wild, those funky aerial roots do more than just help epiphytic orchids cling to trees and rocks—they’re actually the plant’s lifeline for moisture and nutrients, soaking them up right from the humid air and rainfall.
To keep your orchid happy as a houseplant, you’ve got to make sure those aerial roots are getting the hydration they crave.
The Best Water for Your Orchids
When it comes to orchids, tap water can be a bit too “hard” or chalky. Instead, try using distilled water, filtered water, or—even better—collected rainwater. Also, a quick pro-tip: never use cold water! It can shock the plant’s system. Aim for lukewarm or room-temperature water to keep things cozy.
Smart Watering Methods
You can’t just pour water into an orchid pot like you would a typical houseplant. If water sits at the bottom, you’ll end up with root rot, which is a total orchid-killer. To keep your exotic beauties hydrated without the drama, try these two methods:
- Regularly misting the roots
- Giving them a good soak (the “dunk” method)
Misting the Roots
Grab a spray bottle and give those aerial roots a regular misting. This mimics the tropical humidity of the rainforest and keeps the air around the plant nice and moist.
The Soaking Method
One of the best ways to water an orchid is to give it a bath. Submerge the entire nursery pot in a container of lukewarm water. Keep it under until the air bubbles stop rising—this tells you the roots and substrate have soaked up all they can. Just make sure to let the pot drain completely before putting it back into its decorative planter.
Watering Mounted Orchids and Glass Displays
If you’re growing your orchids mounted on branches or stones, you’ll want to stick to frequent misting to keep them hydrated.
For orchids kept in glass vases, simply fill the glass with water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then pour it all out so no standing water remains.
If you really want to level up the humidity, growing your orchids in a terrarium or a specialized orchid case is a fantastic way to recreate that lush, tropical environment they love.
