By James Thomas 
Orchids are a kind of flowering plant belonging to the family Orchidaceae. They are one of the most widespread and diverse species of houseplants. Orchids are famous for their lovely, lasting flowers, which come in various shapes, measures, and colors. The Orchids are usually epiphytic, which expands on other plants or objects like rocks and terrestrials. Orchids are among the biggest families of flowering plants, with above 25,000 species and countless combinations found in diverse habitats around the world. They can thrive in different environments like tropical rainforests, woodlands with mild weather, grasslands, and even deserts. Areas like Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and parts of Africa have bunches of different kinds of orchids. Orchids are famous choices for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
What is Orchid Water Culture?
In easy terms, it is growing orchids in more water and there are three major techniques: full water culture, semi-water culture, and semi-hydroponics.
Established on how people use these terms you would think they are well represented, but they are not. Everyone has their intent, but these are the more popular ones and the ones I employ.
Full Water Culture for Orchids
The word full is a bit tricky because in most cases the roots are not fully submersed in water. Some people do quite submerse them, but most will submerse only 2/3 of the seeds or even 1/3 of them. The importance of this method is that some part of the heart is always in water. It is common, when creating a new orchid with this technique to have the roots sit outside the water line and let them grow into the moisture.
Semi-water Culture for Orchids
This technique has the seeds sitting in water for a few days, and then the water is removed so the seeds can dry out. This wet-dry process can be 2 days wet and 5 days dry (a common cycle), or 5 days watered and 2 days dry, or any other variation that fits you.
Semi-hydroponic Culture for Orchids
This method is more variable. There is some inert material in the pot (leca clay pebbles, pumice, stones) and some water. The water station can be at any height and it can even be drained periodically to give the plant a dry period. From an orchid view, this method is the same as the above two techniques, so I will miss it in this post.
Why Use Water Culture?
If you are someone with a busy schedule or who travels a lot and does not have a lot of periods to care for your orchids, water culture may be a good answer for you. Some orchids will do very well in this kind of growing environment, but some choose not. There is a learning curve to growing in water culture, so begin with one plant first as you learn this technique. For our purposes on this page, we are examining full water culture.
Transitioning To Water Culture
If it is your first shot at transitioning to growing orchids in water culture, there are rare key steps to take. The first step when you can your orchid from its growing medium is to clean the roots by pulling as much of the growing medium as possible. Although the roots don’t ought to be completely cleaned, do your best to remove as much as you can originally, and continue to remove any remaining medium over time until you just have basic roots.
- The next step is to prune any dried-up or through roots that you find. Let the roots heal for a day or two before putting them into water culture. If you do this too shortly, you may inadvertently cause harm to your orchid and it may not stay the transition. Orchids are epiphytes and can survive fairly well for some time without water, so don’t worry about going the orchid out of a medium for a day or two. Once the roots have had a day or two to recover, you can now transition your orchid into a wetness culture.
How Do You Fertilize Orchids In Water Culture?
Fertilize water culture orchids during the wet change. It’s necessary to change the orchid’s water regularly – ideally weekly. Use a specialist orchid fertilizer cut to a quarter of the recommended strength, and apply it to the wet weekly.
If your orchid does not rebloom regularly, then fertilize the water with kelp earlier per month instead of its normal feed.
10 Tips for Growing Orchids in Water
1. Selecting the Right Orchid: Start by choosing a suitable orchid variety for water culture. While most orchids adjust nicely to growing in water. Some types thrive better with this method than others. Phalaenopsis and Oncidium orchids are especially well-suited for water culture. Due to their ability to blossom in high-humidity environments.
2. Choosing the Container: Opt for a transparent glass or plastic container that is large enough to accommodate the orchid’s seeds comfortably. The transparency of the receptacle allows you to monitor root growth and assess water quality efficiently. Ensure that the container has drainage holes to control waterlogging and promote healthy root growth.
3. Preparing the Water: Use distilled or purified water for growing orchids in water. Tap water usually contains chemicals and minerals that can get and harm the plant over time. Fill the container with water, leaving a few inches of space between the water cover and the rim of the container.
4. Preparing the Orchid: Select a fit orchid plant with aerial roots. Aerial roots are important for water culture as they absorb moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere. Rinse the roots under lukewarm moisture to remove any debris or old potting media.
5. Placing the Orchid in Water: Carefully put the orchid into the container, providing that its roots are fully submerged in water. Place the orchid so that its leaves and stems remain outside the water surface to prevent rotting. You may use rocks or stones to anchor the orchid in place and deliver additional support.
6. Providing Adequate Light: Place the receptacle in a location with bright, indirect light. Orchids grown in water require good light to photosynthesize and produce energy for shift. Avoid placing the orchid in direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn and harm the plant.
7. Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly watch the water level and quality to ensure optimal growing needs for your orchid. Top up the moisture as needed to maintain the expected level and replenish nutrients. Keep the container clean by adjusting the water every 1-2 weeks and rinsing the container entirely.
8. Fertilizing (Optional): While orchids grown in water can emanate nutrients from the surrounding environment, you may decide to supplement their diet with a diluted orchid fertilizer. Use fertilizer sparingly, following the manufacturer’s education, to avoid over-fertilizing and damaging the orchid’s delicate hearts.
9. Pruning and Repotting: Periodically check your orchid for signs of health and growth. Prune any over or decaying roots to promote new development and maintain overall plant health. If the orchid outgrows its container or evolves root-bound, consider repotting it into a larger container with fresh moisture.
10. Enjoying Your Orchid: With good care and attention, your orchid will thrive and award you with vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Take delight in the beauty and elegance of your orchid grown in water. Understanding that you have successfully cultivated this exquisite plant utilizing an unconventional method.
By following these detailed steps and procedures, you can embark on a rewarding journey of growing orchids in water. And making a stunning display of natural beauty in your house. Delighted gardening!
FAQs
1. Can orchids grow directly in water?
Yes, some orchids can grow in water using a system called” water culture.” rather than soil or dinghy, the orchid’s roots are suspended in water for many days a week, allowing them to get humidity and nutrients without staying submerged all the time.
2. What type of orchids can grow in water?
Phalaenopsis( moth orchids) are the most generally grown orchids in water, as they acclimatize well to water culture. Other types of orchids can be more grueling, but some people successfully grow Dendrobiums and Oncidiums in water, too.
3. How frequently should I change the water?
You should change the water every 3 – 5 days to keep it fresh and avoid bacterial growth. Some farmers also let the roots” air out” for a day or two before placing them back in the water.
4. What are the benefits of growing orchids in water?
Growing orchids in water can reduce the threat of root spoilage, which frequently happens in traditional replanting mediums. It also allows you to see the condition of the roots, making it easier to spot any problems beforehand.