How to Grow Orchids in Water

Remove the orchid plant from its original growing container. Ensure you slip the plant out as carefully as possible, to prevent damage to the orchid's root system. The plant may be of any size or age; all work well in a hydroponic growing system.

Remove all growing medium from the plant's roots, discarding the used medium. Again, remove the medium carefully, trying not to damage the root system of the orchid. The roots should be as clean and debris-free as possible.

Clip away any damaged roots on the root structure of the orchid. Use only a sterile instrument, to ensure the prevention of bacterial or fungal infections of the orchid's roots.

Place the prepared orchid, root-side down, into the culture pot of the hydroponic system. Pour the fired-clay aggregate growing medium into the pot around the plant's roots. Tap the pot gently on a counter or table-top to settle the medium around the roots. Add enough medium to fill the pot, according to the instructions included in your specific kit.

Fill the reservoir of the hydroponic system with as much nutrient solution as your kit instructions specify.

Place the newly planted hydroponic orchid into a well-lit area, whether an area of full, indirect sunlight or an area with an ultraviolet grow lamp. Provide the orchid with four to six hours of light daily.

Allow the reservoir of the kit to dry out completely before replenishing it with fresh nutrient solution. The amount of time this takes will be different depending on the kit and your environment. This allows the maximum amount of oxygen to reach your orchid's roots.