Do you water more with aerated pots?

[ddhope]

Just repotted my orchids in special "orchid pots" from Home Depot to prevent the plants from staying damp. Now they look droopy, as if not getting enough water. I've tried watering several times a week to compensate, but considering how airy the pots are, and the type of potting medium (fir bark, charcoal, and coarse perlite)... should I water daily? The roots and soil are definitely dry after just one day!

[rbarata]

If the humidity is low, watering must be increased. Depending on the orchid genera...some like it more moist (plastic pots and sphagnum are best in this case) while others like to dry out (areated clay pots without sphagnum are best).

[camille1585]

You don't mention if you repotted in a new mix. Ifthe medium is fresh, it also is one reason why it is drying out fast. The pores in unused bark are not very open yet and don't hold as much water as they could. Soaking the pots for 20-30min at each water should help the bark pores open up. But in any case, the more airy the mix and pot, the more often you will have to water. Daily is no problem as long as the center of the pot is also drying out.

[ddhope]

Thank you Camille! (Yes, the potting mix was brand new...) I'll set about soaking the plants now for 30 minutes before draining... then check the mix daily before rewatering. (Wish I knew the variety... I've had both for a number of years and they "were" doing pretty well until this last repot.)

[WaterWitchin]

They are Phaleonopsis. That’s about as close as you’re likely going to get. Soaking them will help a lot. New bark really repels water. Next time, soak bark at least overnight before repotting. For now, after soaking, it will just be a matter of figuring out how much more quickly to water due to more aeration. Pretty pots by the way.