Misting Orchids

[Kathy]

When you mist an orchid, some say not to let the water settle on the leaves or the core of the orchid and some say you should mist the entire plant, leaves, flowers and all. What is the correct way to do this?

[jerrymeola]

I do not think that misting an orchid is worth the effort. There is no possibility that you can raise the humity around the plant for more than a few seconds.

There is a minor value by placing an orchid on a tray of pebbles with water below it, but even that is not as valuable as good potting medium with good drainage, good air flow, and regular fertilizing with plenty of light.

Every commercial grower uses overhead automatic sprinklers that soak everything.

You are probably confusing the advice not to let water settle in the crown of a Phalaenopsis, which can cause rot. But even this is not a problem with good air circulation, which will dry the water before any problems can develope.

Everything I grow commercially gets soaked daily from above without any consideration of water on leaves. Some flowers can spot if water gets on them (white dens the worst) so careful watering then is rewarding.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Well, I grow in a greenhouse, so I can't answer as an expert indoor grower. I do mist the orchids I have in my GH, but there is one most important caution. Don't mist/water late in the day. The orchids must be dry when the temp starts to fall. This is where all the damage can occur, and good air circulation will speed drying. Personally, I like misting my plants. Many have exposed roots, and some plants with marginal roots systems can pick up a little moisture thru their skins. I agree that misting is not a very good replacement for humidity, unless you have a lot of plants and a very wetable area that you can be very free with the misting, but that does not mean that it has no value. If for no other reason, I like it because it gives me time with my plants and a chance to observe what is happening with their up and downs. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[Tommyr]

Unless you are going to mist the plants every 10 minutes it does nothing for the plant. Well, maybe it helps keep the leaves clean but it does nothing for humidity. Better to use a humidifier.

Tom

[janet_a]

any aerial roots migh appreciate an occasional spritz, but the rest of the plant would be indifferent to it.