HOW TO WATER a Phalaenopsis ORCHID in Bark medium.

[dagirlgigli29]

Hello, I just bought orchids because my very first one died due to my husband buying it with rotted roots. Now this orchid I bought at home depot a few days ago has its roots showing like this one. Is that a problem? The roots on the inside of pot are a nice bright green color. Also the leaves at the base have black & it lost 2 leaves. I can send you a pic if you like. My email is dagirlgigli28@yahoo.com

[sooneaty]

@dagirlgigli29 The roots showing on the top is normal because orchids hang off trees and send out roots to tether the plant. You have to run water over them like its raining.

Bright green roots means they are full of moisture and do not need watering until they turn grey. If the leaves are black, that may be due to leaving water on them and they rot. After watering, wipe off the excess from the leaves. A pic or video would be nice to see exactly what you are saying......

[doowopshopgal]

Oh this is wonderful and your voice is so calming! thank you!

[sooneaty]

@doowopshopgal

you r welcome!

[MissShividi]

That was very helpful.

My husband just bought me orchid, I just gave it small amount of water, should I now water it like this or I have to wait for a week?

[sooneaty]

@MissShividi Thanks for your comment.

The way to check your plants water needs, is by putting your finger in the medium. If it is damp then leave it to dry out for a few days. If dry, then water soon. Overwatering is a worse mistake than underwatering. Good luck! Enjoy your plant.

[aprilknopper]

I'm learning from your videos as well! Thank you!

[Incredibleisaac2]

when i soak the bark for 24 hours, does it help the bark absorb water?

[sooneaty]

HI Thanks for your comments Visceralanding. I keep feeding after the blooms are done, every watering. The general advice that I have read is not to feed them. I have had these orchids for one year and they have gone from bloom to rebloom so I have not had the chance to not feed them and see what happens. I think I will give the pink one some rest once its done. And I am not a pro, just learning still and hope others can learn from my experience.

[visceralanding]

I am learning a great deal from your orchid care videos – you're a pro!! For clarification, do you continue feeding when the plant is no longer blooming, or just give it water only?