Have you considered growing orchids in water? Have you heard that they have severe attitudes? Well, we’re here to give you the step-by-step method of growing orchids in water.
If you have never owned an orchid, they are a bit leggy with just a few leaves and blooms at first glance. Don’t get distracted, this is a beautiful flower! You might find them intimidating due to their appearance. If you’ve ever owned one, then you know they can actually be very intimidating once they start losing leaves and blooms. No worries! Several flowers have their own set of special rules to take care of them.
The method you’ll learn today is growing them in water. You may have heard of the same method called the full water culture method. Either way, it’s an alternative to growing your orchid in soil. Let’s dig in!
This post is all about growing orchids in water as a planting alternative.
Picking your orchid
Orchids can be a bit finicky, so don’t get discouraged. If you are trying this method, use it on a fairly new plant. If the plant is older, it will likely not like being transferred to a new environment. You can transfer one of your existing orchids to this water method, but if you are attached to the orchid, get a new one. You can always find an orchid at your local grocer or home improvement store.
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Prepping for Water
The very first thing you want to do is remove any debris from the orchid and its roots. That means removing peat moss and dirt. Cut off bad or rotted roots (roots that bend or are brown). Removing these items will keep your roots healthy and rot-free. You can even spray it with a water bottle or gently run water over it in a sink. If the debris is stubborn, you can soak 2/3 of the roots for 5-10 minutes at a time to loosen the dirt. Repeat this method until it is clean. Let it sit out overnight, and place it in your planter, jar, or container in the morning. If you still have debris in your water, by all means, pour that out. It should get cleaner with time.
Planting in Water
Full Water Culture Method
Submerge 1/3 of the roots into the water and keep at least this amount in the water at all times. The water replaces dirt or any plant media that you would normally use for sustenance. Keep the plant in the water 4-5 days per week and let it completely dry 1 day per week. When changing water, keep 20%-50% of the original water in the container each time you let it dry. You will know when your plant needs water because the roots will turn a silverfish color.
Semi Water Culture Method
Submerge 2/3 of the roots into the water and keep at least this amount in the water at all times. The water replaces dirt or any plant media that you would normally use for sustenance. Keep the plant in the water 2-3 days per week and let it completely dry 4-5 days per week. When changing water, keep 20%-50% of the original water in the container each time you let it dry. You will know when your plant needs water because the roots will turn a silverfish color.
Now you have everything you need to grow orchids in the water! This method will require a little effort to get your routine started, but this is also one of the most rewarding ways to bond with your plants. Pick up your orchid today and get started.
This post was all about growing and caring for your orchid in water.
