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How to Water Your Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Pubblicato il November 20, 2025

How to Water Your Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

How to water

Check the potting mix - if it looks dry and maybe a bit dusty, it might be time to water. You can also lift up the pot to check its weight, if it feels light it’s time to water. There are several ways to water your Moth Orchid. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the pot is heavy and the potting mix looks wet snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your Orchids sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Make sure that your moth orchid is planted in a pot with holes. If the water can’t run out it might cause the roots to rot.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put your Orchid back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Orchids don’t like their compost/soil to be soaking wet all the time, so make sure to pour off excess water.
— Planta tip

Domande frequenti

How do I know when my Moth Orchid needs water?

You can tell it's time to water if the potting mix looks dry and perhaps a bit dusty. Lifting the pot can also help; if it feels light, your orchid likely needs water.

Is it okay for my Moth Orchid to sit in water?

No, you should never let your Moth Orchid sit in collected water after watering. This can cause the roots to rot.

Can I bottom water my Moth Orchid?

Yes, you can bottom water your Moth Orchid by filling a tray with water and letting the soil absorb it for 10-30 minutes. Remember to occasionally water over the soil as well to wash away salts.

Why do I need drainage holes for my Moth Orchid's pot?

Drainage holes are essential for a Moth Orchid's pot because if water cannot run out, it may cause the roots to rot.

Does bottom watering remove mineral buildup from the soil?

No, bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil. For this reason, make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

How to Water a Moth Orchid Over the Soil

  1. Check the potting mix; if it looks dry and a bit dusty, it might be time to water.

  2. Lift the pot to check its weight; if it feels light, it is time to water.

  3. Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

  4. If you have a tray under the pot, remove all the collected water immediately.

  5. If you watered under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back.