Don’t Overwater

More people kill their orchids through overwatering than any other cause. Fall is particularly perilous time for overwatering, as plants start to go dormant, but people unwittingly continue the same watering regimen as they did in the growing season. With too much water, orchid roots will rot, and the leaves will follow. So this is the time of year to start to cut back. You may feel like you’re stressing the plant, but you’re actually just allowing it to rest. Maintain good humidity and air movement as always. Also start to cut back on fertilizer use.

Epidendrum flowersMasdevallia flower

Many kinds of orchids need this dormant period in the fall and winter. With a proper rest, they’ll awaken in spring with new flowers.

Not all orchids go through dormant periods. For these varieties, you can still cut back slightly on water and fertilizer as temperatures drop and days shorten in the fall.

It’s best to water early in day, so plants have a chance to dry off before evening. If orchid leaves remain wet at night, they may rot.

Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Fertilizing, Photos, Problems, Watering

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One Comment on “Don’t Overwater”

  1. Hanley Says:

    I have done that to some of my orchid before, when I overwater. The leaves turn to mush and turn brown. I can agree that it is important to be careful not to overwater!