Is Regular Watering Needed for Orchids in the Winter?

Mitigating Harm from Winter Conditions

• Once the furnace kicks on, the air in the house begins to dry out considerably. Because orchids require consistent and rather high humidity levels compared to other houseplants, that dry air can harm the orchid if you do not water it correctly and maintain adequate humidity. One way to ensure proper humidity -- in all seasons -- is to place orchid pots on water-filled pebble trays; this practice will be most beneficial during winter. Another helpful treatment is to lightly mist the foliage in the morning if you find that orchids are looking a bit sad.

Winter Watering

• How frequently you water your orchids during the winter will depend on how frequently the potting medium dries out. If you have orchids in different locations, be sure to monitor them frequently because different temperatures and light levels in each room can cause the potting media to dry out at different rates. It's best to water orchids in the morning so the soil can gradually dry out during the day.

Flowering Orchids

• Regular watering of flowering orchids is necessary even during the winter. Water orchids early in the day, and water until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Do not let orchids sit in water. Pebble trays are the exception, because the water is not coming in direct contact with the bottom of the pot. When the flowers fade, cut back watering and water only when the soil has begun to dry out.

Air and Water Temperature

• Beautiful Orchids advises orchid growers to pay attention to the temperature of the water they're using on their orchids, especially if it differs greatly from that of the air. Cold water, for example, may cause problems to an orchid that lives in a rather warm room and whose soil temperature is around 20 degrees higher than that of the water. In winter, let the water you'll use on the orchids sit for a few hours so it can come to room temperature.