is growing an orchid in water a good idea? #PhalaenopsisO...
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In my opinion or isn't. Orchids are epiphytes and need lots of air around the roots to keep healthy. They might survive for a while in water, but they are always in danger of getting waterlogged and this of root rot. Why risk it, when there are so many great media to choose from that are at least imitating their natural conditions 🤷♀️ if you are considering it because of hydration: the roots do not take in more water just because they are dunked into it. If you need constant hydration, raising humidity and setting them into a bed a of damp to moist sphagnum is way more effective and - in the long term - safer.
It is possible after a period of transition and finding an orchid that takes to it. You will lose many along the way. Phals that grow in very damp environments, such as moss, may be better suited as they are already adapted for wet environments. However, many orchids are epiphytes - they grow on trees and are not aquatic plants. The only way to get this to work would be to transition them from a semi hydro set up to a full hydro set up. You would also need to think about how to combat mold. Many people who grow their orchid hydroponically use glass containers but the high humidity and lack of air flow leads to mold, which can affect root and plant health.
I don’t know about good idea or not; I think it depends on how much time you have to tend to it and the plant itself. I have a rescue phal that disliked her bark/moss mixture that is now loving her “full water culture” setup - new roots galore and a few inches into a new leaf. (I follow exactly the method described by Orchideria on YouTube.) The most important thing is tending to it often, and making sure the vase is right-sized. My plan is to eventually move to a different medium, but for now we’re thriving. I hope you find a method that is right for you. 🪴