Orchids are naturally grown by allowing its roots to cling to the trees and absorb water, nutrients, and air. They are known as epiphytic but they can also grow and thrive in potting mix. Orchids can grow without soil, but they can never grow without water. On the other hand, too much water may cause the Orchid plant to die. Moreover, Orchids can grow in water only. This is called hydroponics.
Hydroponic Systems
Not all types of Orchids can grow hydroponically, but those that can require simple hydroponic systems. Growing Orchids in a hydroponic system is one way to enjoy the blooms wonderfully. It requires the use of water and absolutely no soil. The water is added with nutrients, providing a natural environment ideal to the growth and development of Orchid plants. The capillary system helps in bringing water and nutrients to the roots of the orchids.
Growing Orchids using the hydroponic system offers advantages and disadvantages. Because there is no soil, the orchid plant can live and enjoy the environment no matter what the climate is. In addition, one does not have to guess whether to water the plant or not. The plant enjoys the kind of humidity it requires, thus they grow well and bloom into beautiful flowers.
On the other hand, it takes the right technique and skill in growing orchids through hydroponics. You should understand what type of light and nutrients the orchid plant needs if the hydroponic system is used. This can be a disadvantage if you are new to the system. It can be more expensive, too, to set up the system compared to growing orchids in potting mixes for orchids. If you are planning to grow your orchids in water, it is best to know the techniques completely.
Growing Orchids in Water
If your Orchid plants are currently planted in orchid potting mix and you want to start the hydroponic system, you cannot just transfer the plant to the water. The roots of the orchids should be given a little time to adapt to the new environment.
Transfer from Pot to water
Let your plant adjust and adapt appropriately to the water system by preparing its roots. If there are dead and decayed roots, it is the best time to prune them out from the plant. The new growth can easily adapt to the new system. When roots are removed, you can simply place the plant in a container with water. Let water cover the bottom part for the roots to absorb the water and oxygen.
Light
When it comes to direct sunlight and natural light, Orchids can be very sensitive. Although they need bright light for 12 to 14 hours each day, the light they need is filtered light. Exposing the plants directly to sunlight will cause the plant to get a sunburn. You can provide filtered light to your orchids by placing the glass container near the window. When Orchid plant is in a resting period, you can put it in a room or space with lower temperature.
Watering
Water in the container will run low because of evaporation. Because of this, you have to replace the lost water once a week. By doing so, you will also provide the needed oxygen and, at the same time, remove the pathogens that may develop in the dirty water. If roots begin rotting, prune the roots and change the water. The early sign of rotting roots is the bad odor in water. Watering can be done once after 2 or 3 weeks as indicated by the water gauge, which makes it a perfect choice for people who travel a lot and leave the plant at home.
Humidity
With a hydroponic system, humidity tray is always clean. It gives a growing environment that is always clean and green. The tray stays clean in the hydroponic system because water from the plants does not reach the tray.
To make humidity more of an advantage for your hydroponic orchids, make sure that it is at 50% level. During winter months, it is best to turn down the thermostat and lower down the temperature at night. A humidifier is also an ideal solution to improve humidity in the room. If the air is dry in the room or area where the orchid plants are located, you can still maximize the plants by providing humidity.
Growing Orchids in water is an alternative way to have your Orchid plants more beautiful and long-lasting. The use of clay pebbles replaces all of the potting media and mixes for the Orchids. Clay pebbles allow a cleaner and user-friendly environment for the plant, keeping the water clean and promoting better airflow.
With a hydroponic system for growing your Orchids, you have the water gauge that will tell you when to water. This is the best way to take out the guesswork in the water out of the picture. In addition, the roots get enough amounts of water, nutrients, moisture, and oxygen in such a system. The roots do not decay, too.
Everything that your Orchid plants need to survive and grow well to yield blooms and flowers is provided by the hydroponic system. What is left for you to do is to change water or refill water once every two weeks or three? The plant will grow healthier once it successfully adapts to the hydroponic system. In return, you will have the most beautiful and durable flowers of Orchids in their season.
