Should I mist my orchid(s)?
photo copyright rePotme.com from this page
I wanted to write a quick blog about my favorite Haws copper mister (shown above) and realized that the topic of misting an orchid is super controversial. Apparently there is a huge debate, “to mist or not to mist?” People seem to think that getting an orchid wet will kill it…
I want to start by asking a question, “What is the natural environment of an orchid?” Answer, “A jungle, a RAIN forest.”
I have never been to a rain forest but I have scene enough Discover Channel shows to imagine what they are like; humid, hot and um rainy… So I imagine that these orchids can't dodge the rain and moisture that daily surrounds them. I have never seen my orchids move but maybe mine are just sluggish:)
Orchids are naturally designed to have their leaves funnel rain and humidity down to their roots. Based on this information, if orchids were indeed killed by getting wet then we would literally have no orchids in the wild.
There is no difference, in the actual plant, from an orchid being grown in the wild and in our homes. I think that we should look to nature when growing plants. We should ask what their natural environment is and give them the closest thing to it.
My orchids love a good misting, especially on hot summer days and dry winter days!!
Note: make sure that water does not pool in the base of the leaves while you are misting them. This can cause rot. You can take a dry paper towel and dip it in the leaf base to soak up any pooling.
Back to the my favorite mister you can get it at my favorite site, rePotme (click here) and it's not that expensive ($28.15). In their words, “Our spectacular looking Haws-built brass mister is as functional as it is good looking. Small in size, but amazing in the mist punch it delivers. We like to mist our orchids and houseplants generally, but those on mounts and in baskets really cry out for regular treats of fine mist and humidity on their roots and leaves. This high quality misting tool does the job efficiently and easily without being too heavy when full and without requiring constant trips to the sink for refilling. Until you use it, it is hard to explain how far a tank goes on the relatively small (light) reservoir of water it holds. The pump action is smooth, the spray pattern is full and the atomization is perfect. Comes complete in a handsome gift box and is ready for use right out of the box. Beautiful brass makes it a conversation piece when not in use!”
Mist on….
Hope that Helps,
Hannah
Feel free to leave comments or questions.
