Paphiopedilum godefroyae after a big drink of water Watering questions are the most asked (and proba
Paphiopedilum godefroyae after a big drink of water Watering questions are the most asked (and probably most misunderstood) questions we get. So let’s get the #1 question out if the way….but first, SAVE THE ICE CUBES FOR YOUR DRINKS ❄️ for many reasons- + These are tropical plants, way too cold! + Not enough water + Ice cubes are a concentrated form of your tap water, suspending all of the bad stuff in the little cubes which will collect around the roots. + Many orchids grow air roots which need to be watered too, impossible to achieve with ice cubes. Orchids respond very well to frequent waterings that drain from the pot very fast and allow the roots to dry rapidly. Oxygen to the root system is extremely important, this is why we use such a course potting medium and insure that the roots do not sit in water creating an anaerobic situation. We (humans) grow orchids in pots because it’s convenient for us to keep a certain level of moisture and humidity around the root system, but most of these plants are epiphytic (tree dwelling) plants growing in the canopies of trees or within the first 2 inches of leaf litter on the jungle floor making them reliant on fresh air to thrive. 1. Flush pots thoroughly as potting media approaches dryness OR soak the pot and roots in water for 5 minutes (no need for anymore time). 2. If growing in a decorative pot we would recommend you flush the pot with water and tip out the excess water rather than piling up ice cubes on the surface, this will lead to stressed-out plants. Always water earlier in the day to ensure dry foliage by nightfall. This will prevent rots from setting in. (at Orchid Dynasty) -- source link