Is it possible to overwater in semi-hydroponics

[flyfishdoc]

I have all my 20 or so plants (phals, catts, miltoniopsis, onc) in s/h. I grow in the window, and my house is dry. 32% humidity this morning. They do get some added humidity from the tray underneath, but that is not always wet. With my schedule, I don't get to water exactly as needed. I watered 2 days ago, then again today. Some of the reservoirs were 1/2 full (my plastic pots have holes an 1" from the bottom). I usually water every 5-7 days, but that may not be enough (this is my first winter with s/h). I leave at or before the sun is up, and I only want to water when it is bright enough in the mornings

My question, can I overwater in s/h during the winter? Am I safe to water frequently in winter?

[Undergrounder]

No you can't over-water in semi-hydroponics, feel free to water it as much as you like. Even keep the reservoir constantly full if you want.

[flyfishdoc]

I thought that was right. I wanted to double check myself. thanks

[Ray]

Undergrounder is correct. Think about it:

In semi-hydroponics, the root system is growing in an airy, moist environment of inert medium. After you water it, the root system is growing in an airy, moist environment of inert medium, i.e., no change.

In fact, there is an advantage to more-frequent watering.

For all practical purposes, we consider the medium saturated with fresh fertilizer solution to be the "ideal" scenario. As the plant takes nutrients from the solution, its chemistry changes, both from the ion removal and due to the wastes emitted by the plant. Likewise, the respiratory processes also foul the solution. When you water correctly, by filling the pot to the top and letting it drain to the level of the reservoir, you "refresh" that solution back to the target chemistry again.

One last thing, Doc - why do you only want to water after sunrise? I had a 50-mile commute, so always watered about 5:30 before going to work in the morning, with no issues.

[flyfishdoc]

I feel better seeing what I am watering well. maybe the sun being up is more for me. My house is dry, so in winter everything (sprayed air roots, spilled water droplets) dries out quickly anyway. I am probably be satisfying myself by not watering early, more than I am benefiting/harming the plants ! ! !

It's always good to have someone with more experience to bounce things off. Thanks Ray