Orchids care: 'Essential' water hack for thriving houseplants - and how often to water orchids

How to care for orchids

How you water orchids is one of the most important things to consider for their survival. Speaking exclusively to GB News, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners Nadezhda Yaneva said watering every one to two weeks is ideal.

She said: "Watering frequency for orchids depends on factors like the type of orchid, potting medium, humidity levels and environmental conditions.

"As a general rule, water orchids when the potting medium is nearly dry, typically every one to two weeks.

"Watering early in the day allows excess moisture to evaporate, prevents the risk of fungal diseases and avoids leaving the orchid standing in water, as this can lead to root rot."

The expert also shared important advice on the quality of your water, claiming high-quality, or filtered, water is "essential".

She added: "Tap water can be used to water orchids, but it's essential to consider the quality of your tap water. Orchids are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water, which can harm their roots.

"If your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains high levels of minerals, consider using filtered or distilled water instead.

"Alternatively, you can let tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate before using it to water your orchids."

Another way to keep the plants hydrated is by misting them regularly. The expert added: "Misting can be beneficial for certain orchid species, especially those that naturally grow in humid environments. Mist orchids with fine water droplets in the morning to mimic dew formation.

"Avoid misting orchid flowers directly, as this can cause them to spot or rot. Monitor humidity levels and adjust misting frequency accordingly.

"In dry environments, misting once or twice a day may be beneficial. Orchids potted in moss may require less frequent misting compared to those in bark, as moss retains moisture better."

Orchids are native to tropical countries which is why they prefer to be kept moist. This also means the temperature at which they are kept is vital for their survival.

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"Ensuring your home is an optimal temperature for them is therefore key," PR manager of sustainable plant pot creator elho Patty Willems said.

"The sweet spot is usually between 10 and 27 degrees centigrade, although most homes shouldn't dip below 10 degrees even during the colder months.

"While it's important to keep internal temperatures warm, be wary of dry heat from central heating, and equally be mindful of placing plants in direct line of chilly drafts."

Looking for more advice? Discover the best ingredients to feed your indoor plant for "bigger" and "more frequent" flowers. Or grow vibrant sweet peas in your garden using a toilet roll hack.