How do I water mounted orchids?

[Leafmite]

There are many solutions. Just fine something that makes it easy for you. Plastic storage containers are great to put under them to make the watering easier.

[plantluvver]

I am watering once a day, by soaking them in tap water in the kitchen sink. But they seem to be dry every morning. I am wondering if once a day watering is enough. (I soak for about half an hour. I am wondering if I am watering, too much or too little . My mountedplants are:
Neofinetia / falcata (Onamisecai)
Maxillaria / tenuifolia
Encyclia / tampense (Florida form)
Brassavola / nodosa

[Leafmite]

The brassavola's root-tips should be green if it is getting enough water. The neo usually takes a rest right now until about February, when you will start seeing new, green root tips (I water to keep the roots from shriveling). The max might need to be watered 2x a day. Mine is potted in red lava rock/basket pot that sits in a bowl of water. It doesn't mind being dry but when I have left it too dry, I have not seen blooms. I don't grow the Encyclia so I cannot help you there. I hope this helps.

[plantluvver]

Originally Posted by drtd

Mine is just a 20 gallon fish tank with some small modifications for added heat and humidity.

What do you know! I happen to have one of those 20 gallon tanks sitting around! I also have another tank, about 75-100 gallons sitting in the basement, I was going to try fixing a crack on it, but filling it with orchids is a lot less weight than filling with water (for fishes) It is really ugly, someone spray painted it, but I got it for free. Was planning on giving it away, but maybe I will take a closer look at it.

[disalover]

I spray the roots every morning with a water bottle, and once a week dunk them in water

[plantluvver]

Thanks everyone, for taking the time to explain to me.

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by drtd

I gave up on the windowsill method as well. I ultimately sucked it up and built a heated terrarium in my garage for my mounted orchids, as well as a few of my more humidity sensitive carnivorous plants. This was about 2 months ago, and they have all begun to put on new roots and are looking happy! If you aren't committed to a pretty steady spray/dunk regime, then I would suggest a terrarium, even if its just for the winter. Mine is just a 20 gallon fish tank with some small modifications for added heat and humidity.

Totally agree. I saw a big change in my orchids when I moved them into Exo Terra terrariums. If I had a garage, I would have a couple hundred plants - good thing I don't have a garage.

[RosieC]

I pour rain water over mine every day in the summer without really looking whether they need it or not. Mounts can dry fast and mine don't have masses of moss on them so they need it.

I used to use a spray bottle but give them a very heavy spray, they need more than just a light misting. Pouring water over is faster when I have plenty of rain water. If I'm running short on that I go back to spraying with water as it uses less.

In the winter I water less. Every other day is what I aim for, this winter they got more like once a week because I wasn't well but they survived even if looking a bit more wrinkled. They would cope with that rare a watering in the summer I don't think.

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