Over time, the soil in which any indoor flower grows is depleted, so it needs to be replaced from time to time. In addition, the transplantation procedure must be carried out when the root system becomes closely in the pot, especially for orchids, in which the roots take part in photosynthesis. After transplanting, special attention must be paid to watering, which is what we will talk about in this material.
How to understand that it’s time to water the orchid
The substrates used for orchids are usually heterogeneous, and by their appearance it is difficult to determine whether to water the plant.
But there are other signs:
- Pot weight. If it has become too light, then most likely the flower has long been hungry for moisture. To make it easier to navigate on this basis, you need to pick up the pot and feel its weight after watering. After a few days, you need to check its weight again. If you feel significant weight loss, you should water.
- Check soil moisture with your finger. You need to push the top layer of soil and go deeper into the remaining soil with your finger. If it is dry, then watering is necessary.
- Stick a wooden stick. It is advisable to do this immediately after watering, and then simply periodically pull out and look, dry wood at a depth or wet.
- Orchids are usually planted in transparent pots, so condensation is clearly visible on their walls. If it has disappeared, then irrigation procedures must be carried out.
- Roots are also visible through the transparent walls of the pot. Change their color from green to silver, and also if a loss of elasticity is detected (they become wrinkled), you need to water it.
- If the roots lose their elasticity, then the leaves also become sluggish, sag.
- A flowering plant with a lack of moisture will begin to drop flowers.
How many times and how often do you need to carry out the procedure
The irrigation schedule depends on a number of indicators:
- temperature
- air humidity;
- lighting;
- the dimensions of the pot;
- seasonality.
Important! In the absence of irrigation, a flower should be restored for a long time by showering.
How to water an orchid after a transplant at home
Immediately after transplantation, it is not recommended to irrigate the orchid. It is advised to wait a week or two so that the plant can take root, of course, only if the cause of the transplant is not the death of the roots after a long period of drought. Then you need to slightly moisten the substrate. You can carry out irrigation activities using one of the methods described below.
Immersion
To implement this method, it is necessary to prepare a basin with water at a temperature of + 20 ... + 32 ° C. The container before this is necessarily flavored with boiling water. The pot is immersed slowly in water so that the water rises to its very top. In this position, it is held for 1-2 minutes, then it rises slowly and for the same time remains in suspension so that excess glass water.
For each flower, the water is typed fresh, and the bowl is poured with boiling water. This method is most often used with cool plant contents. It is quite effective and does not take much time.
Important! You can use the technology of immersion only if you are sure that the plant does not get sick, and the substrate is not affected.
Watering from above
Watering from above can be carried out using a watering can or spray gun (spraying). A watering can needs to be taken with a plastic, since the metal interacts poorly with the roots of the flower. The pressure during watering should be weak, it is best to pour along the edge of the pot so as not to hurt the sinuses and growth points. Pour water until it appears in the pan. Excess moisture is drained and the action is repeated after a few minutes. This method is ineffective, since soil moisture is uneven.
Spraying with a spray gun is also an ineffective method. It is more applicable to increase air humidity. It uses warm water, which is carefully sprayed with an orchid for 20 seconds. Then they take a short break and repeat the procedure. In 30 minutes you need to do 3 irrigation procedures after an equal period of time. After a shower, moisture is removed from foliage and sinuses.
Running water
Such watering will simulate rain. It is most effective among all, as it saturates the flower with oxygen. Running water should be allowed through a shower. Thus, not only will the plant be irrigated, but also its foliage will be cleaned of parasites.
Did you know? Cut orchid flowers and placed in a vase remain fresh much longer than any other flowers.
Flower vases should be placed in the bathroom and watered with a weak pressure of warm water (+ 40 ... + 50 ° С) through the shower head. Water should completely moisten the substrate. After this, the plants are left for 20 minutes to excess glass moisture. Then, after another 40 minutes, the leaves and shoots are wiped with a napkin.
Spraying the roots
This technique is used when the flower is grown without a substrate. When the root system dries, it is sprayed from the spray bottle with warm water until it again acquires a green tint. The next irrigation procedure is carried out when the roots brighten.
Is it possible to water an orchid
It is possible to water indoor flowers not only with water, but also with additional funds. They increase the immunity of plants and accelerate their growth. Among such funds can be called succinic acid and the drug "Kornevin."
Succinic acid
The chemical name of the drug is dicarboxylic acid. Amber crystals are obtained. This tool is effective when necessary to accelerate the growth of indoor flowers.
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In addition, for orchids, it is useful as follows:
- stimulates the growth of the root system;
- increases the number of buds and increases the flowering time;
- promotes better absorption of nutrients from the soil;
- increases the likelihood of effective rooting of the cuttings;
- strengthens the transplanted plant;
- restores a diseased flower.
Unfortunately, the remedy acts slowly, and the soil is acidified from its frequent use. However, it is harmless to plants and humans, so you can safely apply it.
"Kornevin"
The active substance in the preparation "Kornevin" is indolylbutyric acid. When it enters the soil, the plant root system is stimulated to grow. That is why this drug is very effective when it is necessary that the flower takes root faster.
In addition, it helps to accelerate flowering and prolong it. However, using Kornevin too often is undesirable. Use it when you need to quickly resuscitate an orchid, for example, dying due to rotting of the root system.
Signs of improper watering
With improper watering (waterlogging) of the orchid, the following occurs:
- the flower withers;
- foliage quickly turns yellow;
- rotting roots;
- rotting core;
- partial withering of the leaves (deformation and discoloration);
- white “blisters” on the foliage;
- the appearance of fungus on the leaves, stem;
- rot pseudobulbs.
Did you know? Succinic acid is the oldest chemical compound. In wildlife, it is located more than 50 million years in the form of frozen resin trees.
Useful Tips
When caring for an orchid, we recommend that you adhere to the following recommendations:
- Perform irrigation activities before lunch.
- Use running water or diving methods.
- Water should not be harsh.
- If you need to quickly soften the water, add oxalic acid to it.
- To speed up the adaptation of the transplanted flower, add minerals to the water (found in special fertilizers for orchids).