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This
phalaenopsis is
growing in
sphagnum moss in a clear
pot.
The roots
are firm,
white and healthy.
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* Moisture
loving orchids
such as
phalaenopsis
like to stay
moist at all
times. This
does not mean
they should be
kept wet.
Obviously when
you water they
will be wet for
a few hours,
but then, they
should dry out
and stay moist
for several
days. Only when
the mix begins
to start going
slightly dry,
do you water
again.
* Excessive
watering will
kill orchid
roots, and also
cause the
mix(especially
bark mixes) to
decompose. As
the mix breaks
down, it holds
less air, and
thus more
moisture. The
result is that
the roots, and
mix, both stay
wetter to the
detriment of
the
plant.
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HOW TO WATER
Water
your orchids thoroughly using
tepid (never cold) water. This
does not mean you dribble a
stream of water down one side.
It means you flush the growing
mix thoroughly and copiously
with water and then allow the
pot to drain. Most of the
excess will drain out from
the bottom of the pot. We do
this for three
main reasons:
-to get ALL the roots
thoroughly wet
-to ensure excess
fertilizer salts are flushed
out of the mix
-most orchids are potted in a
bark mix and this is the only
way to ensure that all the
roots get thoroughly
wet.
How do you know when to water
your orchids
again?
1. Stick a pencil about an inch
into the mix-if the tip is damp
it does not need water. If it
feels dry, water.
2. Put
your finger about an inch into
the mix and wiggle it around-if
it feels moist no water
is needed. If it feels
dry, then water.
3. If
you're not sure your orchid
needs water, wait a day before
watering. For orchids that
likes to stay moist (such a
phalaenopsis or slipper
orchids) and you're not sure,
then water-do not let the mix
dry out.
4. In
general, avoid letting your
orchids go bone dry between
waterings, unless a rest is
called for(this usually only
applies to some specific types
of orchids that need a dry rest
in winter so for most indoor
growers its nothing to
worry about).
If
your orchid is in a
peat-based
mix, water when the
pots feels light and the mix
turns a darker grey color, or
begins to pull away from the
edge of the pot. These mixes
can be deceptive because the
surface appears dry while
inside the pot, the mix is
still quite wet. Many phals are
sold growing in
sphagnum
moss which also
retains moisture for much
longer periods than bark mixes.
Learn more about
growing
phalaenopsis.
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