High Quality Elegance

When the plant is in bud, it will need lots of water to form flowers. Once the flowers begin opening, it will still need water to keep the flowers strong and to keep new buds forming. When the plant is completely bloomed out (all of the flowers are open), it still requires a lot of water so the blooms stay strong and last long. Throughout the cycle, you should monitor the plant to make sure it does not dry out. If it does, the plant could start losing buds and the blooms may weaken.

Once blooms are gone, it is time to repot in new soil (see repotting). A freshly potted plant needs to be watered immediately. The new soil will take longer to wet and may take a few good waterings to become saturated. Water well the first few weeks. Over the next several months, the soil will begin to break down and it will not be necessary to water as frequently.

If the weather is hot and humid, the conditions for an infection of pathogens are perfect. This is when watering is most crucial. Only water in the morning and make sure the leaves completely dry before nighttime. Water the plant whenever the soil at the top of the pot is starting to dry. It is not necessary to completely drench the pot, however it is okay if you do. Also, never let the soil become completely dry as it will stress the plant.

If the weather is cooler and dryer, the plant will be more tolerant of when and how it is watered. A good rule of thumb is to water when the soil becomes just about dry on the top, but never breaks away from the sides of the pot.

Many people ask if they should mist their plants daily. This is a good way to cool a plant and provide some humidity when conditions are hot and dry but it should not replace regular waterings.