How Often Should You Water an Orchid?

Wondering how often to water your orchid? As a rough guide, most Phalaenopsis orchids need watering around once a week – although it can often be longer than you might expect.

Rather than automatically watering every seven days, check the plant first. Your orchid's roots, bark and even the weight of the pot can all tell you whether it's ready for a drink.

In this guide

How do I know when my orchid needs water?
How often should I water?
What's the best way to water an orchid?
Can you overwater an orchid?
Can I use tap water?
How do I water orchids in planters?
What about misting?

How Do I Know When My Orchid Needs Water?

Start with the roots.

Healthy Phalaenopsis roots change colour depending on how much moisture they contain:

Green roots – your orchid is still well hydrated and probably doesn't need watering yet.
Silvery-grey roots – the roots are drying and your orchid is probably ready for a drink.

Take a look through the clear nursery pot and check the bark too. If the roots are still green and the bark feels damp, leave it a little longer.

You can also feel the weight of the pot. As the bark dries, the nursery pot will become noticeably lighter. Over time, you'll get used to the difference between a freshly watered orchid and one that's ready for another drink.

🌿 Grower's Tip

Don't water just because it's watering day. Check the roots, bark and weight of the pot first – your orchid will usually tell you when it's ready.

Want to understand exactly what you're looking at? Read our Orchid Roots Explained guide.

So, How Often Should I Water My Orchid?

For many Phalaenopsis orchids, around once a week is a useful guide.

But every home is different. Temperature, light, the season, pot size and the growing medium will all affect how quickly your orchid dries.

During warmer, brighter weather it may need water a little sooner. In cooler conditions it may comfortably go longer than a week.

That's why we prefer to say: check regularly rather than water automatically.

What's the Best Way to Water an Orchid?

There isn't just one correct method. If you've already found a way of watering that works for you and your orchid is thriving, keep doing it.

Dunk and Drain

Remove the clear nursery pot from its decorative pot and place it into a sink or bowl of water for a few minutes.

This allows the bark and roots to take up moisture. Afterwards, remove the pot and let it drain thoroughly before returning it to its decorative container.

Never leave your orchid standing in water.

Water Under the Tap

You can also run the nursery pot under the tap for around 20 seconds, allowing the water to flow through the bark and out through the drainage holes.

Let the excess water drain away completely before putting the orchid back into its decorative pot.

Try not to leave water sitting in the crown – the centre of the plant where the leaves meet.

The Ice Cube Method

Yes, you can also water a Phalaenopsis with ice cubes.

We know this method isn't for everyone, and that's absolutely fine. But we find it particularly useful for people who struggle with overwatering, for orchids in planters and for anyone who simply wants a quick, measured way to water.

It's a method we use ourselves and have recommended for many years.

If you'd like to understand why we recommend it – and the research behind it – read Can You Water Orchids With Ice Cubes? Our Growers Explain.

🌿 Grower's Tip

Not keen on ice cubes? Use around two tablespoons of water instead. The principle is the same – a small, measured amount that can help take the guesswork out of watering.

Dunk, tap or ice – choose the method that works for you. The important thing is giving your orchid enough moisture without leaving its roots constantly wet.

Can You Overwater an Orchid?

Yes – and overwatering is one of the most common orchid-care problems we see.

Phalaenopsis roots need both moisture and air, so roots that remain wet for too long can eventually become damaged.

This is another reason we recommend checking your orchid before automatically giving it more water.

If you're worried you've overwatered your plant, or the roots are brown, soft or mushy, see our Orchid Problems: A Grower's Troubleshooting Guide or Orchid Roots Explained.

Can I Use Tap Water for My Orchid?

Yes. Ordinary tap water is absolutely fine for Phalaenopsis orchids, even in hard-water areas.

You don't need to collect rainwater or buy bottled water to keep your orchid healthy.

If your household water has been artificially softened with salt, however, use water from an unsoftened supply instead.

How Do I Water Orchids in Planters?

Orchid arrangements and planters can be slightly trickier because you may not be able to remove or easily reach the individual nursery pots.

This is one of the situations where a small, measured amount of water or the ice cube method can be particularly useful. It allows you to direct the water towards each plant without soaking the whole arrangement or leaving excess water sitting at the bottom.

Planters can also retain moisture for longer, so check before adding more.

What About Misting?

Phalaenopsis naturally enjoy humid conditions, but in most homes you don't need to do anything complicated to keep them happy.

If you'd like to increase the humidity around your orchid, an occasional light mist is fine. Just avoid leaving water sitting in the crown or on the flowers.

For more on humidity, feeding and everyday care, read our Expert Orchid Care Tips.