What's Wrong with my Orchid? Improper Watering & Feeding Levels

There are several factors that lead to poor orchid growth. Correctly identifying the source of the problem is key to understanding how to treat it and avoid it in the future. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common issues that arise from improper watering and feeding levels.

An under-watered Phalaenopsis

Overwatering and Underwatering
Not too much and not too little - but just the right amount of water will make your orchids very happy. But how do you know how much is just right?
 
Over-watering is the most common problem associated with poorly performing orchids. Symptoms can look very similar to those of under-watered plants because it often rots the roots and therefore prevents them from taking up adequate amounts of water.
 
The first thing to do is to examine the roots of the plant. If the roots are rotted (soft, black and soggy) then chances are the plant is being over-watered. If the potting media is fresh and the pot size is not too large, then you will need to cut back on the frequency of your watering. Also, because the rot is often associated with a bacteria or fungus, you may need to drench the plant or pot with a good fungicide or bactericide.
 
Under-watered plants often exhibit limp or withered leaves and withered stems or bulbs. This happens because the plant is not getting enough water to keep the leaves, bulbs, or stems turgid.
 
If the pot is not too small for the plant and the roots are in good health (white and firm), then this is easily remedied by watering the plant more frequently. Remember that Cattleyas and Dendrobiums like to dry between waterings. Once the potting media dries out, you should water the orchid promptly. Do not let the orchid stay dry for a prolonged period.
 
Also, realize that larger pots tend to stay wet longer than smaller pots. One trick to learn is to lift the pot up when it is ready to be watered and note the weight of the pot. Now, water your plant thoroughly and let it drain for 5 minutes, then lift the pot up and again note the weight. The difference in pot weight is noticeable and, over time, this can be a quick and easy way to tell when your plant requires watering.

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Overfeeding and Underfeeding
Orchids require plant food, known as fertilizer, for food. In nature, they receive this from dead or rotting plant and animal material. Regular feeding with an orchid plant food is essential to getting the best results from your orchids. There are several different nutrients that are required by the plant for proper growth. A plant food made specifically for orchids such as Better-Gro® Orchid Plus®, typically contains all the nutrients your orchids need.
 
Over-feeding (feeding at a higher than recommended rate) is the most commonly observed issue with plant food use. This is derived from the fallacy that if a little is good, more is better. Actually, over-fertilization can cause root burn which can lead to root rot and/or stunted plant growth.
 
Under-fed plants often have leaves that start to lighten in color (especially evident on the older leaves first) becoming more and more yellow. This leads to weaker, poor-growing plants that may not flower or that produce very weak flower spikes/stems with fewer and smaller flowers than normal.
 
It's easier than you think to feed your orchids - just follow the instructions on the Orchid Plus® package.
 
Watch our video below for more information on watering and feeding your orchids.

Happy Blooming!