- Plants that come in a container with a drainage hole at the bottom should be watered regularly, misted, and the soil kept about as moist as a wrung out sponge. It is best to have a drainage dish underneath them, not only to protect your furniture, but water that runs right through can still be absorbed by the soil if allowed to sit for a few
minutes. After 30 minutes though, any remaining water should be thrown out and the
drainage dish replaced under the plant.
- Plants that come in a container without a drainage hole must be monitored carefully. If water cannot escape the container on its own, it will sit and become stagnant with
bacteria, which is not good for the plant and becomes stinky. Water your plant with just enough water that can be absorbed by the soil. If there is excess water pooled at the bottom of the container after about 10 minutes, it must be poured out, taking care to hold your hand over the top of the soil so that it does not fall out with the water.
- Orchids typically come in a container that does not have a drainage hole, and are most likely planted in orchid bark or moss. When the bark or moss feels dry, fill the container with water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Pour the water out completely, taking care to hold the chunks of bark and moss back with your hand. Only water again when the bark feels dry. Once the orchid flowers fall off, do not cut back the stem, or stalk if it is still green. If you continue to water and look after the plant, it will bloom again, and often these blooms emerge from this green stalk. If the stalk turns brown and dries up, it can be cut from the plant at its base. If the plant is watered and cared for it will form a new stalk and rebloom from this new stalk.
*** Orchids should not be in direct hot sunlight, but rather, “they should be able to
see the sun, but the sun not see them”. Bright windows, mist, and keeping the
leaves clean should also help keep your orchid happy longer.
