Growing Orchids in Water Without Soil: Secrets and Tips

Orchid

Glass orchid pots are primarily needed for decorative purposes. This isn't their only function, and it's certainly a good idea to have one. Glass allows sunlight to pass through well, which is essential for plant development. Furthermore, stores offer a wide range of pot sizes and shapes. Glass containers are more stable than plastic ones, and the lack of trays is a plus when the orchid needs to be moved frequently.

Contents in flasks

The difference lies not only in their beautiful blooms but also in their cultivation methods. While many flowers grow on the ground, orchids grow from tree bark, clinging to it. They obtain nutrients and moisture through aerial roots. Moisture comes from the air or fog, and nutrients from their residues, which accumulate in the tree bark. However, this process occurs in the humid tropics, where the orchid habitat is very suitable. It is impossible to create such an atmosphere indoors. There is more than one method for growing orchids:

growing in water - hydroponics;
orchid without substrate and liquid;
Soil propagation.

If the plant's roots are constantly submerged in liquid, they will begin to rot. Therefore, they should not be completely submerged, but rather kept above the liquid. It's important not to switch to a flask immediately, especially for the plant itself:

First, you need to remove it from the soil, clean the roots, soak it in water for a couple of days, and then dry it the next day. Don't drain the liquid completely, but make sure the roots are still submerged by about a centimeter.
After a week, the orchid can be left in water for several days, but one day should be left for drying.
Afterwards, leave the phalaenopsis in the water for the entire time, changing the water and monitoring the condition of the roots. If they turn silver, the plant needs watering.

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At this time, the growth of new aerial roots will be noticeable, and green shoots will begin to appear on the old ones.

Please note!

Growing this method can be difficult due to root rot. To combat this, remove the plant from the water for a day and treat the roots with a fungicide.

If algae appears on them, don't remove it, as this promotes air exchange. A small portion of the roots die if the plant's environment changes to aquatic, and they are replaced by roots adapted to aquatic life.

To prevent fungus, use semi-hydroculture—an unusual substrate that doesn't provide the plant with any nutrients but keeps it upright. The plant receives all its nutrition through fertilizers diluted in water. These fertilizers are easily digested and therefore don't waste much energy, devoting it to development.

Planting in hydroponics

First, take a plastic pot with drainage holes to allow water and other nutrients to reach the orchid's roots. If you're using expanded clay as soil, thoroughly rinse the old soil off the roots before planting and then let them dry. Then, half-fill the pot with expanded clay, plant the orchid, and fill it to the very top with soil.

If you're using expanded clay and perlite as a substrate, add the expanded clay first, then place the plant in it, and then cover with perlite. To strengthen the mixture, place the container in water. Small pebbles, like those found on the glass bottom of the aquarium, can be added on top of the substrate.

If using diatomaceous earth and expanded clay as soil, add the diatomaceous earth first, then place the plant in it, and then cover with expanded clay. To strengthen the mixture, immerse the pot in water.

Growing an orchid without soil Perhaps semihydroculture is used for this purpose. Place it in any transparent container and add a small amount of liquid, which, due to capillary action, rises to the roots, allowing them to absorb moisture and dissolved nutrients.

When a plant is planted in water, the roots are well aerated above the surface. The plant is protected from pests that would otherwise attack it in soil, and it won't wilt if it's fed too much or too little. Plants planted and grown this way don't require repotting.

To successfully grow orchids in water, it's important to know that not all varieties are suitable. Many gardeners use species that don't require a dormant period or periodic root drying:

Phalaenopsis and other indoor varieties;
Dendrobium, which grows better in a cool room;
Cattleya, it likes warm temperatures, but not heat;
Zygopetalum.

Advantages and disadvantages of growing orchids in glass containers

When growing orchids in a vase, nutrients penetrate the flower much faster through the water. This helps produce larger flowers, up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Benefits of growing orchids in water:

Root rot can be immediately noticed because the plant is in a glass vase, not a sealed pot. This is crucial, as the plant is often susceptible to rot. Growing the orchid without soil allows it to access oxygen and ensure water circulation.
Growing phalaenopsis is possible without transplanting.
Due to the fact that useful components are dissolved in water, the plant does not suffer from their excess or deficiency.
An orchid without soil blooms and develops well, as it receives the required amount of nutrients and does not dry out.

Attention!

You need to change the water in glass pots. This method allows you to forget about watering for long periods of time without worrying about the plant's health.

There are some disadvantages to growing in glass, but they're few in comparison to planting in soil:

You need to check that the water is cool;
The water shouldn't be below the roots. If it is, add more water.
It is necessary to feed the plant while it is growing.
Constant care.

Capacity requirements

Before plant an orchid, you need to choose a pot for this flower. This procedure is crucial, as it determines the plant's survival. Transparent pots are best. This rule applies to all planting methods, including water. Typically, people use commercially available plastic containers, or find a small bucket and hide it behind the planter.

Can I plant an orchid in a glass pot? Glass containers are not suitable for growing phalaenopsis orchids because their cylindrical shape causes the leaves to bend and quickly break, resulting in the death of the orchid. A tall container also prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, causing them to rot.

A suitable vase should be shaped like a shot glass. Before planting, keep in mind that the flower should be on the outside and the root system on the inside.

Glass vases for orchids help the root system by allowing sunlight to reach it. However, caring for plants in such containers requires skill and experience, as they cannot be ventilated. This can lead to overwatering of the roots, which is detrimental to the orchid's health. If a gardener decides to grow a phalaenopsis in a glass vase, they must provide proper drainage. However, the easiest way is to plant the plant in a plastic container and place the pot in any vase.

One disadvantage of a glass orchid pot is that it cannot have drainage holes. Excessive humidity can cause root rot. A tall glass pot will allow the orchid to receive more sunlight, but it will limit oxygen supply, which will negatively impact overall plant development.

Care Features

Growing orchids without soil is not a common method for many gardeners, so planting in soil is more popular.

When it comes to flowers planted in water, the Vanda species is best. Common phalaenopsis orchids can also be used, but in the wild, Vanda orchids grow on trees or plants, absorbing moisture from rainwater. To grow this type of orchid in glass indoors, you need to maintain a humidity level of at least 60%.

To ensure proper germination of an orchid in a soilless vase, it's important to water it properly and ensure the water is at room temperature. Instead of watering, it's best to mist the soil to prevent moisture from getting on the buds and leaves. Misting should be done depending on the humidity level.

If the orchid is in a glass container, it needs constant and careful care:

In winter, the air temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius. Reduce it by 10 degrees Celsius if bud formation is desired.
Humidity should be maintained at up to 75%. This makes orchid cultivation challenging, as it is very difficult to recreate the required humidity. However, for many species, a humidity level of 40% can be maintained, as the orchid will obtain the missing moisture through evaporation due to the high humidity.
The orchid prefers fresh air, but it shouldn't be placed in a ventilated area. In summer, it can be placed on a balcony in the shade, away from direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
The water in the growing phalaenopsis is changed every three days, and the pot itself is thoroughly rinsed once a month. During this time, the plant's roots are wiped, dried, and then immersed in a new solution.
From time to time, the plant grows new leaves, but does not bloom during this period. To induce flowering, a slight difference in daytime and nighttime temperatures is necessary.

Water an orchid grown in a glass container in the same way as in a plastic pot:

You need to add water up to the roots so that they are completely immersed in it.
The water itself must be allowed to steep until it reaches room temperature. It's important that it be free of impurities, or at least contain a minimal amount.

Attention!

A high content of mineral salts harms the root system of phalaenopsis, leaving a white coating on the walls of the glass pot, which does not look very attractive.

In warm weather, water the plant three times a week, and in cool weather, only once every seven days. However, in hot weather, watering frequency can increase to daily. It's best to water in the morning or afternoon to allow the orchid time to dry in the evening.

When the orchid begins to develop leaves and grow actively, it should be fed with liquid fertilizer once a week according to the instructions. Before placing the orchid's roots in the nutrient solution, they should be dipped in water to prevent burning. Alternate these feedings with foliar fertilizer from a spray bottle.

Potential problems and difficulties

The main problem is primarily related to the frequency of watering: too much water causes the roots to rot, while too little causes them to dry out. Spraying with fungicides will help prevent rot, but if it has spread to the plant's trunk, nothing can save it. Dry roots are easier to deal with, so overwatering should be avoided under any circumstances.

The second characteristic is the plant's decorative value. Due to impurities in the water, a film forms on the walls of the glass pot, which can be removed by simply washing it.

The third problem is that orchids, like flowers planted in the ground, are susceptible to pests and various insects. These can also occur in glass containers, but there are various ways to eliminate them.

The cause of many infections and diseases after planting an orchid in a glass pot is the accumulation of harmful bacteria. To get rid of them, the plant requires careful care at home. Since fungal infections thrive in dark, humid areas, the plant should be kept in a well-ventilated area.

It's important to ensure that the orchid vase is constantly ventilated and has access to oxygen. This is important because it reduces the risk of fungal and bacterial growth, and it also prevents the humid air inside from stagnating for long periods of time. Maintaining the orchid in suitable conditions also influences its development. To achieve this, you need to monitor the frequency of watering, air humidity, and ensure access to light.

Advice!

Glass pots need to be washed to remove white residue and mineral deposits caused by contaminated water. Prevention can be achieved with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and fungicides.

A wide variety of containers to suit every color and taste are available at Ikea or Zara Home. While Ikea offers small flasks starting at 90 rubles, Zara Home sells for 2,000 rubles for a medium-sized vase.

Glass orchid pots are also available in specialty stores, where you can purchase a suitable container for 150 rubles. A wide selection, ranging from 300 to 700 rubles, can be found at various online stores.