Watering means life itself for plants. However, during the winter season, plants need to be watered less often. Orchids should be watered only about every 10 days during the winter months.
The biggest mistake that a beginner orchid owner can make is to immerse the orchid pot into lukewarm water, and not allow the excess water to drain off properly. If the pot immersed in water is kept on the window sill, the plant can catch a cold and won’t bring flowers. Also, the roots of the plant may be attacked by mold.
What should we do to protect orchids from cold?
The best watering method for an orchid is to place the pot in some lukewarm water and allow it to absorb the required amount of water for only 10 minutes. After that, the pot should be placed onto a grid to allow excess water to drain.
In winter, the orchid pot doesn’t necessarily need to be moved away from the windowsill if there is proper insulation around it. Place a blanket or cushion between the pot and the window so cold airs doesn’t reach the plant directly. The pot can also be wrapped in polystyrene so the roots of the plant won’t get too cold.
Moisture
During the winter months indoor air is often dry due to heating. If the orchid is on the window sill, place a bowl of water on the radiator. Excessive dry air can hurt orchids and even pests may attack them.
Orchids don’t tolerate drafts very well. When you open the window, take the plant to another room and put it back onto the windowsill only when the temperature has slightly warmed up. Since during the winter the plant receives less light, it is important to always keep the blinds pulled away during daytime.
During the winter months you shouldn’t transplant orchids, except if an illness has attacked them. If the plants are healthy, it is best to transplant them in the spring.