How often to water an orchid
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
About once a week, when the bark is nearly dry and the roots look silvery.
Moth orchids grow in loose bark, not soil, and their roots need air. Water thoroughly, let it drain completely, and wait until the potting mix is nearly dry before the next watering.
Orchid (Phalaenopsis) schedule
Water
- Spring and summer
- About once a week
- Fall and winter
- About every 10 to 14 days
Feed
- Spring and summer
- Every 2 to 4 weeks, diluted orchid feed
- Fall and winter
- Monthly at most, diluted
Check the soil first. Water only when it is as dry as this guide says.
How to tell it is time to water
Look at the roots through the clear pot: silvery green means it is time to water, bright green means it can wait. You can also feel the bark an inch down.
Signs of overwatering
- Brown or black, mushy roots
- Yellow, limp leaves
- Bark that stays wet and starts to break down
Signs of underwatering
- Wrinkled, leathery leaves
- Grey, shriveled roots
- Buds dropping before they open
Light and pot
- Light
- Bright, indirect light, such as an east window. Direct midday sun can burn the leaves.
- Pot and soil
- An orchid pot with plenty of drainage, filled with bark or orchid mix. Never let it stand in water.
- Pets
- Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
This schedule is general guidance for a healthy indoor plant. Light, temperature, humidity, pot size and soil all change how fast it dries out, so check the soil before you water and adjust.