Water a moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) about once every 7 to 10 days, or when the roots look silvery and the bark feels dry. Orchids in moss hold water longer and may only need water every 10 to 14 days. Soak the roots well, then let all the extra water drain away.
A starting point, not a rule. Check the soil before each watering and stretch the gap in cool, cloudy weather.
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Most orchids sold in stores are moth orchids, or Phalaenopsis. In the wild they cling to tree branches with their roots hanging in the air. Rain soaks them, then they dry within hours. That is why orchids hate sitting in wet soil and why they grow in chunky bark instead of potting mix.
Read the roots, not the calendar
Orchid roots change color as they dry, which makes them the easiest plant to read.
- Bright green roots are full of water. Wait.
- Silvery gray or white roots are dry. Time to water.
- Brown, mushy or flat roots are rotting, usually from too much water.
Clear plastic pots make this easy, which is why most orchids are sold in them. Keep your orchid in its clear pot and slip it inside a decorative one.
Orchid watering schedule
| Potting material | How often |
|---|---|
| Bark, warm months | Every 7 days |
| Bark, cool months | Every 10 to 14 days |
| Sphagnum moss | Every 10 to 14 days |
| Mounted on wood | Daily misting or soaking |
How to water an orchid
- Take it to the sink. Run lukewarm water through the bark for about 15 to 30 seconds, until the roots turn green.
- Or soak it. Set the clear pot in a bowl of room-temperature water for 10 minutes so the bark absorbs moisture.
- Drain completely. Let every drop run out before you put it back in its decorative pot.
- Keep the crown dry. If water collects where the leaves meet, blot it with a paper towel. Trapped water there can cause crown rot.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering
Too much water
- Brown, mushy roots
- Yellow, soft leaves
- Black spots near the crown
- Bark that stays wet and smells musty
Too little water
- Shriveled, papery roots
- Wrinkled, leathery leaves
- Flower buds that drop before opening
- Bark that dries out in a day or two
Orchid watering FAQ
Should I water an orchid while it is blooming?
Yes. Keep the same routine while it blooms. Letting it dry out too much can make the flowers drop early.
What kind of water is best for orchids?
Rainwater or filtered water is ideal, but most tap water is fine. Use room-temperature water and flush the pot well every few weeks to clear mineral buildup.
Do the aerial roots need water?
Roots growing outside the pot are normal and do not need special care. Mist them now and then in very dry homes.
We turn horticulture research and real growing experience into plain-English watering schedules you can actually follow.