It has been raining and your orchid pots are outside in rain. Now you are worried that the rainwater will fill the pot and kill your lovely plants.
If this is the situation then you are at the right place. Because I am going to tell you the 5 proven ways to save to orchid in heavy rain.
Orchid plants cannot tolerate a high amount of water for a long time. Excessive water can kill their roots. So, your aim should be how you can prevent water from collecting in the pots.
There are many ways to do so but only proven methods are discussed below. This is my experience and I use these strategies to save my outdoor growing plants including orchids.
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Is rainwater not good for Orchids?
In general, rainwater is good for all types of plants as long as they are growing in their natural habitat.
When we grow them as a houseplant, we use different types of potting soil. This soil is not able to drain the rainwater in seconds like the jungle soil.
Rainwater is not a problem for orchids excessive water in the pot is the main problem that invites further issues.
Root rot is the first problem that is triggered by extra water.
This is a type of fungal disease that can kill your plant in a few days. It can also spread to the other parts of the plant like stems and leaves.
If you do not fix it on time.
To avoid overwatering issues you should use well-draining soil for growing orchids. This soil has the property to drain the extra water in a few minutes.
It can save your plant from accidental overuse of water and from rainwater.
In many parts of the country, people collect rainwater in rain barrels for later use. Because they know rainwater can put new life in their lawn or growing vegetables.
Rainwater also put new life in dry and yellow lawn grass. I have two hard plastic rain barrels and I collect it for my lovely houseplants.
How to save orchids in heavy rainfall?
Use Agricultural Plastic
The white plastic cover that you see in the big local nurseries is agricultural plastic. It is made to protect the crops from rain and cold.
You can buy the same plastic and cover your plants that grow outside on a balcony or in an outdoor garden.
It is a little costly and not everyone can get it from the local garden store. In this condition, move the orchid pot inside.
Only big garden stores stock this product because they also use it to protect their plant in winters.
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Use Clay pots
Clay pots are porous in nature means they have tiny holes in the walls. These holes allow fresh air to dry the soil and remove the extra moisture.
These pots also drain the extra water in a few seconds. Whereas other pots like ceramic and plastic are not fast draining pots.
For more protection, you should use well-draining soil in these clay pots.
My orchids are happy in terracotta pots. I know they are heavy to lift but believe me terracotta pots act like miracles for succulent plants.
Try these pots once you will feel the difference in your succulent health.
Fast Draining soil
To reduce the impact of rain you must use potting soil that contains fast-draining substances. Pine bark, gravel are a few good examples.
Also makes sure the pot you are using for growing orchids has multiple draining holes. These holes allow extra to drain quickly.
If you have good knowledge of potting soil ingredients then prepare your soil at home. For new gardeners, it is best to use cactus potting soil.
Cacti soil is cheaper than orchid soil. but if you can afford the orchid potting soil then definitely go for it.
Using wood stubs
Using wood stubs is a great idea to save orchids in rain. This way the rainwater will not get collected at the root level and orchid roots stay safe.
But if you are new to gardening then please do not use this technique because you can damage the roots while handling the plant.
You can use clay or terracotta pots to grow orchids. Then move them inside in heavy rainfall. Or when the outside temperature becomes too hot for succulents.
Defensive Methods
In this technique, we use pesticides right before or after the rain (use once). I know your orchid plant is healthy but the rainwater can invite root fungus or leaf fungus.
To play safe you should use copper-based fungicides to kill the present bacteria or to prevent the formation of new fungi.
This practice is totally safe but only effective on mature orchids. Do not use this defensive method on new plants.
There are many fungicides that are inexpensive and are easily available on Amazon. If you want you can buy from your local garden store.
But I prefer online because they give good deals.
Conclusion
You can put your orchid in rain, the only thing you need is protection for your orchids. All the easy-to-do protective methods are listed above.
These are inexpensive and you can perform any of them without gardening knowledge.
If you still want to know more about this topic or you want more info on orchids. Then you can contact us. We will feel happy to help you in your gardening journey.
