how to water orchids The pledge of successful orchid cultivation -timely water procedures. If you want your flower to grow healthy and beautiful, you need to know exactly what is the correct watering of orchids. It is known that the most common cause of plant death is excessive humidity, which is much more dangerous than untimely watering. And many beginning flower growers are sure that watering an orchid at home should not be more than once a week. This opinion is erroneous and can lead to negative consequences. Let's understand together all the nuances.

Water and photosynthesis - is there a connection?

If at school you enjoyed attending biology classes,then for sure remember that all the chemical processes occurring in plants are called photosynthesis. And they need sunlight. We will not go into the details of the school curriculum again, but simply say that orchids, for the assimilation of glucose and oxygen, need the energy of light in combination with carbon dioxide and water. The roots of the plant absorb water with mineral salts dissolved in it and lift it up. There (under the influence of certain chemical reactions) the water turns into glucose, chlorophyll and proteins necessary for plant growth. There are a number of major factors in which an orchid agrees to "drink" water. Let's look at them. To water could go to deeper layers of the plant, from the leaves of the orchid must come a signal for absorption. And to do this, you need the sun to shine. For some, there are more orchids, for others - less. Each plant has its own light border, which controls its growth and development. In the rainforests, orchids always have enough light and moisture. But at home, the situation is different. When the light is too little, the plant "falls asleep." This condition is fraught with danger for the orchid and often serves as a cause of decay of the root system. More precisely, the cause of decay is the wrong watering at this time. While the sun is shining on the orchid in sufficient quantity, there is a constant signal to absorb moisture. At this time, the plant requires abundant watering. But as soon as the intensity of illumination falls below the light border, the signal ceases to flow. And from that moment, the watering should be cut or stopped completely (depending on the type of orchid), otherwise the water will begin to destroy the roots, and then the plant. how to water the orchid

Factors affecting the consumption of moisture

No wonder the orchids are planted in transparent pots. This is necessary in order to monitor the condition of the roots. Want to understand, you need to water the orchid or not, just look at its roots. If their tips have a reddish or green tint - the orchid is in a phase of active growth. It has enough sunlight and it can be watered abundantly, without fear of decay. Roots will perfectly cope with moisture and let it be processed for the benefit of the whole plant. If the root tips are slightly closed, but there is still a growing point - the plant does not have enough light. You can transfer the flower to a more lit area and continue to water abundantly. Fully closed ends indicate very poor lighting. In this case, excess moisture can seriously damage the plant. Another factor affects the rate of moisture consumption - transpiration (evaporation of water from the leaf surface). The stronger the transpiration, the more strongly the signal for the root is fed. This process is directly dependent on sunlight and air humidity. In order for the transpiration process to be most effective, the following ratio of humidity and ambient temperature is required: 50-60% moisture at 28-33 degrees Celsius. With this ratio, the water will be directed to the development of new cells, to the growth of green mass, roots and peduncles. Urban apartments are far from the conditions that are necessary for a full-fledged growth of orchids. Therefore, it is necessary to place the plant in a room that will satisfy its needs. Do not put a pot of orchids under direct sunlight - choose a place with scattered and bright light. In winter, it is desirable to remove the flower from the heating devices, as they too dry the air. Also in the cold season, the plant needs additional lighting, which can be organized with fluorescent lamps. If your orchid belongs to the "sleeping" species, let it rest. Stop feeding, water only to slightly moisten the soil.

How and what to water the orchids?

How often is watering at home,difficult to say. Here you need to navigate the state of the ground. Insert a small wooden stick into the pot with orchid. Before watering the plant, see if there are any traces of moisture on the stick. If so, the time for irrigation has not yet come. If the wand is completely dry - safely arrange a flower water procedures. You can orient and the weight of the pot with the plant. If you are firmly sure that the plant is about to water, take a pot of orchid in hand and try to remember its weight. And every time before watering, weigh the plant in your hand. What water to drink an orchid? In nature, the plant only drinks rainwater, which is distinguished by its softness. If you live in a private sector and you have the opportunity to collect rainwater - use it. Orchid only thank you for saying such care. In winter (if the plant does not have a resting state and grows and develops all year round), it can be watered with melt water, preheated to room temperature. To determine the required parameters, use a special device. Remember, different types of orchids react differently to the rigidity and acidity of water. Exemplary indicators are: stiffness - from 2 to 7 ° dH., Acidity - from 5.5 to 6.5 pH. how often to water an orchid

Some practical advice

Now you know which water should be wateredorchid and how to determine the period of water procedures. It's time to figure out how best to conduct these procedures at home. Let's consider several ways.

  • With the use of a warm shower

Put the orchid in the bathroom and set the shower onthe smallest spray. After watering, drain excess water, do not forget to shake off the droplets from the sinuses and the core of the plant. You can heat the flower with water, if necessary. To do this, use more hot water, making several approaches for 10-20 seconds with interruptions of 10-15 minutes.

  • The immersion method

Take a basin with warm water (the temperature shouldbe within 20-35 degrees). Put the pot with the plant for about half an hour. After the procedure, the orchid should be left for 20-30 minutes to allow the excess moisture to get rid of. Do not water all orchids with one water - change it every time. Especially if you are not sure about the health of the root system of a particular flower. Fungal infections easily reproduce in wet conditions and can hit all the flowers.

  • Using a watering can

This method is suitable, if there is no time for twoprevious. But it has several drawbacks. First, it is thus difficult to moisten the substrate evenly. Secondly, it is necessary to make sure that no excess water remains in the pan. And, thirdly, for irrigation it is impossible to use metal watering cans, in them, in due course, harmful compounds are formed, which are fatal to the roots.

  • Spraying method

This method is suitable for orchids, whichare grown in the bark (without substrate). In this case, the roots dry out faster than in the ground. Spraying is recommended in the morning. Well, now you know how to properly water the orchid at home. We hope that our article will help you grow a healthy and beautiful plant that will become a real decoration of your home!

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