Should I water my Orchid?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Btw, the meaning of the word "lithophyte" is:

A plant that grows on or between the crevices of rocks.

[Pink Lady]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

What? You mean the roots? Yeah, that happens all the time with any kind of orchid. What I do is when the roots show signs of active growth, I wet the roots thoroughly and then slowly and gently find a way to guide the roots back into the pot.

Otherwise, this is not a huge issue. The roots can still grow just fine dangling in the air, provided there is enough humidity and moisture getting to it and it is not diseased.

I see what you mean now. I was thinking that since ill be gone for the weekend and I dont know how long since it was watered that I could leave a cup or bottle dripping water or maybe a napkin or something so that it does not die before I get back.

[Pink Lady]

But this is just a pot, is it the same thing?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Pink Lady

I see what you mean now. I was thinking that since ill be gone for the weekend and I dont know how long since it was watered that I could leave a cup or bottle dripping water or maybe a napkin or something so that it does not die before I get back.

You're fine to go on a trip over the weekends without having to place the pot in a saucer of water. In fact, like the others have said, it's best that you don't do that at all.

The roots of this particular orchid don't like to be in standing water. If the roots get too much moisture, they suffocate and die.

Originally Posted by Pink Lady

But this is just a pot, is it the same thing?

I'm not quite sure I understand what you're saying...

I've seen growers here in the US grow lithophytic orchids potted in granite and they do just fine.

[Pink Lady]

All,

Thank you for all your help, I am appreciating Orchids more and I hope to keep this one alive for a very long time, possible forever if I can

[RosieC]

I agree with everything Philip has said.

Don't panic. Growing in stones should be easier than growing in moss as it makes it harder to overwater. Also a weekend without watering it will be fine. They store water in the canes of the plant and this can make them easier to care for than some times of orchids which store less moisture.