| How to Quiet a Cough Naturally Posted: 12 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT A persistent cough can be annoying and uncomfortable! Not only is it distressing for you, but it may also disturb others around you. Your brain forces you to cough whenever it detects an irritant or blockage in your throat. If you want to quiet your cough, you need to soothe the irritation or remove the blockage. Luckily, this is easy to do no matter where you are. Occasional bouts of coughing are totally normal, but see your doctor if a cough persists for more than 3-4 weeks or if you develop severe symptoms like fever and wheezing. [Edit]Soothing a Cough in Public - Suck on ice chips, hard candy, or lozenges to comfort an irritated throat. Keep a glass of ice chips by your side and suck on a few whenever you need some relief. Popping a lozenge, hard candy, or cough drop can also soothe your throat and quiet a persistent cough when you're out and about.[1]
- Lozenges made with real honey may provide additional soothing properties, but most expensive medicine-flavored cough drops aren't any better at providing relief than inexpensive lozenges or hard candies.[2]
- You can buy lozenges and cough drops at grocery stores and pharmacies.
- Never give lozenges to children under the age of 4 to prevent choking.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce irritation. Simply drinking some water can help reduce a nagging cough, especially in dry surroundings, because it is soothing as it travels down your throat. Liquids also prevent the lining of your nostrils and throat from drying out and keeps mucus moist so that it's easier for you to get rid of.[3]
- Water is the best choice, but unsweetened fruit juices, decaffeinated herbal teas, and sports drinks are fine in moderation.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, black tea, and soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages.
- Drink soothing warm beverages like hot tea to quiet a cough. Stick with decaffeinated teas and caffeine-free herbal teas. Simply brew up your favorite kind and enjoy a mug of it as often as you'd like throughout the day. If you aren't usually a tea drinker, you might try out herbal varieties like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile.[4]
- Drinking warm soup broths can also provide comfort.[5]
- Caffeine is dehydrating and may ultimately worsen your cough.
- Stirring in a small amount of honey or fresh lemon juice may provide additional soothing properties. They also taste delicious in a warm mug of tea!
- Avoid cigarettes and other throat irritants to reduce coughing. Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, and other pollutants can irritate your throat and lungs. Avoid smoking cigarettes, second-hand smoke, and spending time in areas where you're likely to breathe pollutants.[6]
- Chemical cleaning products can irritate your throat and worsen a cough.[7]
[Edit]Reducing a Cough at Home - Elevate your head while you sleep to prevent postnasal drip. Place 1-2 extra pillows under your head so it stays propped up during the night. This upright position prevents mucus from trickling down your throat, which is often the culprit if coughing tends to wake you up during the night.[8]
- Take a hot shower to moisten your airways. The steam from a hot shower can lubricate your throat and reduce a cough. Jump into a hot shower and breathe in the steam for about 20 minutes. Be sure to take slow, deep breaths.[9]
- If you don't want to get in the water, just close the bathroom door and breathe in the steam that fills the room.
- Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air. Fill your machine with distilled water and position it at least 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m) from your bed. You can run the machine several times per day or during the night while you're sleeping, but avoid constant use. Don't forget to drain and clean your humidifier or vaporizer every day so bacteria doesn't grow inside of it.[10]
- Running a humidifier or vaporizer 24/7 encourages mold and mildew growth.
- Avoid using tap water in your humidifier. The machine will turn minerals in tap water into a white dust and release into the air. Breathing in this dust can cause coughing and breathing problems.
- Gargle with warm salt water to relieve a sore throat. Stir 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1 to 2 grams) of table salt into 4 to 8 ounces (118 to 236 ml) of warm water. Tilt your head back and gargle with the solution for about 1 minute. Then, spit the salt water out into your sink.[11]
- Avoid swallowing salt water. It can make you sick to your stomach.
- Salt water gargles are safe for anyone over the age of 6.
- Flush your sinuses and reduce mucus with saline nasal drops. Stand over a sink and angle your head downward. Place the tip of the bottle in 1 nostril and spray. Rotate your head back and allow the solution to drip back out of your nose naturally. Repeat the process for your other nostril.[12]
- Getting rid of mucus prevents it from going down your throat, which will force you to cough it up.
- Blow your nose gently to remove any leftover saline solution when you're done.
- You can buy saline nasal drops over-the-counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
- Irrigate your sinuses with a Neti pot to prevent postnasal drip. Fill a Neti pot with distilled water and stir saline powder into it until it dissolves. Tilt your head to the side and put the spout of the Neti pot in your upper nostril. Breathe through your mouth and slowly pour the solution into the nostril. The liquid should come out of your lower nostril in 3-4 seconds. Repeat the process in your other nostril.[13]
- Blow your nose gently when you're done to clear any leftover solution.
- Clean your Neti pot thoroughly between uses to prevent germs and bacteria from entering your nasal passages the next time you use it.
- If you must use tap water, be sure to boil it first to kill bacteria and organisms. Let the water cool before using it.
[Edit]When to Seek Medical Care - See your doctor if your cough doesn't go away in 3 to 4 weeks. A chronic cough can be caused by many common issues, like allergies, asthma, GERD, or some other underlying illness, so it's best to have your doctor evaluate you and formally diagnose the problem. A chest X-ray or lung function test may be recommended.[14]
- You may have a bacterial infection, which can be treated with prescription antibiotics.
- Visit your doctor immediately if you develop more severe symptoms. Wheezing, fever, and coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm usually indicate an infection in the chest or lungs. It's best to see your doctor as soon as possible so you won't prolong your recovery. Antibiotics or some other treatment may be prescribed. Call your doctor if you have the following severe symptoms:[15]
- Fever higher than
- Coughing up green or yellow phlegm
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Get emergency care if you're having trouble breathing or swallowing. If you're struggling to breathe, it's time to go to the ER. Let the ER doctor know how long you've had the cough, as well as any other symptoms you're experiencing. You should seek emergency medical care for the following symptoms:[16]
- Choking or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Bloody or pink-tinged phlegm
- Chest pain
- See your doctor immediately if you're having coughing fits or gasping. These symptoms may mean you have a more serious condition, like whooping cough. Ask your doctor for a same-day appointment or go to an urgent care center to make sure you're okay. They can find out what's causing your cough and offer you the right treatment.[17]
- Whooping cough is highly contagious and requires medical treatment, so don't hesitate to see your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Lower Eye Pressure Without Drops Posted: 12 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT Ocular hypertension is one of the most widespread conditions that affects the eyes. It occurs when there is a higher level of fluid pressure (intraocular pressure) in the eyes than usual. Glaucoma, and even permanent vision impairment, can occur if ocular hypertension is ignored, therefore it's important to take action against the condition. Ocular hypertension is defined as having high intraocular pressure without vision loss or optic nerve abnormality, which would indicate glaucoma. An eye care specialist can check for this during a routine eye exam. Eye drops are usually one of the first treatments used to treat high eye pressure, but unfortunately they do not work for everyone.[1] [Edit]Modifying Diet and Lifestyle - Lower your body's insulin levels. Individuals who suffer from conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure often become resistant to insulin, which actually causes the body to produce more insulin. These high insulin levels have been linked to increased eye pressure.[2]
- To solve this problem, patients are advised to avoid certain foods that can trigger an abrupt increase in insulin levels. These foods include: sugar, grains (whole and organic), breads, pasta, rice, cereal and potatoes.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Talk with your doctor about starting an exercise routine to ensure that it's safe for you to do so. Regularly engaging in exercises like aerobics, jogging, brisk walking, biking and strength training may help to to lower your body's insulin levels, thus protecting your eyes from ocular hypertension.[3]
- Avoid exercises and positions that place you in a head-down position, as this can increase intraocular pressure. This includes some yoga positions, such as headstands.
- Include dietary omega-3 fatty acids. To boost your DHA levels, try to eat to 2-3 servings of these kinds of fish each week. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that maintains healthy retinal function and prevents pressure from building up in the eyes.[4]
- DHA (and other omega-3 fatty acids) are found in cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, shellfish and herring.
- Consume more foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which work as antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These free radicals weaken the immune system, which can lead to infection and damage to the optic nerves.[5]
- Lutein and zeaxanthin also help to lower eye pressure by reducing oxidative damage around the optic nerve. This is important, as any damage in the optic nerve increases eye pressure.
- Foods that contain excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, spinach, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and raw egg yolks. Try to include at least one of these foods in every major meal of the day.
- Avoid trans fats. As mentioned above, omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce intraocular pressure. However, foods that are high in trans fats prevent the omega-3s from working properly, which can lead to increased eye pressure. As a result, it's a good idea to limit your intake of foods rich in trans fats. These foods include:[6]
- Packaged cookies, crackers, cakes, and other baked goods
- Fried foods
- Margarine
- Eat more antioxidants. Dark colored berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries, help to improve the overall health of the eyes by reinforcing the capillaries that transmit nutrients to the eye nerves and muscles. This is due to the fact that dark-colored berries contain antioxidants that help to strengthen blood vessels. This reduces the chances of blood vessels hemorrhaging and causing damage.[7]
- Try to eat at least 1 portion of dark-colored berries per day.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and is used to prevent and treat a number of eye disorders, including glaucoma and increased eye pressure. Dosage is usually 75mg twice a day.[8]
- Bilberry is very commonly used to increase visual acuity and combat degenerative eye diseases, including ocular hypertension. One study on a specific product containing bilberry and pycnogenol (an extract from pine bark) was clinically shown to lower eye pressure.[9]
- Grapeseed extract is an antioxidant and has been successfully used to reduce eye stress due to glare. Grapeseed extract is commonly used to combat signs of aging and improve night vision.[10]
- Limit or avoid caffeine. Consuming a large amount of caffeine can increase ocular pressure, so it's best to only consume caffeinated beverages and foods in moderation. Cut back on the amount of coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate, and any other caffeinated food and drinks. You may even want to completely eliminate these items from your diet for 1 month or more to see if this helps to reduce your eye pressure.[11]
- Take a daily multivitamin for nutritional insurance. Although there is no convincing evidence that vitamins may help to prevent glaucoma, taking a daily multivitamin might be helpful for you if you don't get a balanced diet. Look for a vitamin that contains 100% of your daily value of the following:[12]
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B-complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
[Edit]Undergoing Surgery - Discuss surgery for persistent ocular pressure. If high pressure persists, it can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to an eye condition called glaucoma.[13] Over time, glaucoma can lead to vision loss. Glaucoma is usually treated using a combination of eye drops and oral medications. However, if these measures don't work, surgery will be necessary to lower pressure in the eyes.[14]
- Surgery for glaucoma helps to improve the flow of fluid within the eyes, lowering eye pressure as a result. Sometimes, a single surgery will not be enough to adequately relieve eye pressure and treat glaucoma. In this situation, a follow-up surgery may be necessary.
- There are several types of surgery used to treat glaucoma, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Ask your doctor about drainage implants for severe cases. Drainage implants are usually used to treat high eye pressure in children and in people with advanced glaucoma. During the procedure, a small tube is inserted into the eye to facilitate the drainage of fluid. Once the fluid is drained, pressure in the eye is reduced.[15]
- Consider getting laser surgery as an effective alternative to eyedrops. Trabeculoplasty is a type of laser surgery that uses a high-energy laser beam to open blocked drainage canals in the eyes, allowing the excess fluid to drain. This procedure is normally performed on an outpatient basis. After the surgery, eye pressure is checked periodically to ensure that the procedure was successful.[16]
- Another type of laser surgery is iridotomy. This type of laser is used in people with very narrow drainage angles in the eyes. During this procedure, a small hole is created on the top part of the iris to allow for the drainage of fluid.
- If laser iridotomy doesn't work, peripheral iridotomy may be done. This procedure involves removing a small part of the iris to improve fluid drainage. This type of surgery is relatively rare.
- Talk with an eye surgeon about filtering surgery. Trabeculectomy is a type of surgical procedure used as a last resort in the treatment of high eye pressure if eye drops and laser surgery remain unsuccessful.[17]
- In this procedure, a surgeon creates an opening in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and removes a small piece of tissue in the base of the cornea. This allows fluid to flow freely from the eye, resulting in reduced pressure.
- The procedure is done in one eye and is repeated in the other eye several weeks later, if necessary. Additional treatments may be required following this procedure as the opening might become blocked or closed up again.
[Edit]Performing Relaxation Exercises - Practice blinking every 3 to 4 seconds. Relax and refresh the eyes by making a conscious effort to blink every 3 to 4 seconds, over a 2 minute period. Use a watch to time yourself, if necessary. This will relieve some of the pressure on your eyes, leaving them ready to process new information.[18]
- People have a tendency to avoid blinking when working on a computer, watching television or playing video games. This puts a lot of strain on the eyes.
- Cover your eye with the palm of your hand. Place your right hand over your right eye, resting your fingers against your forehead and the heel of your hand against your cheekbone. Don't apply any pressure. Keep the hand in place for 30 seconds to a minute, blinking freely throughout. Uncover your right eye, then use your left hand to cover your left eye and repeat.[19]
- Covering your eye with the palm of your hand helps to relax both the eye and the mind, relieving stress and allowing you to blink freely.
- Trace an imaginary figure 8 with your eyes. Imagine a big number 8 on the wall in front of you, turned onto its side. Use your eyes to trace this number 8, without moving your head. Keep doing this for 1-2 minutes. If you're having difficulty imagining a sideways 8, draw one on a large piece of paper and stick it on the wall. You can trace this with your eyes instead.[20]
- This exercise helps to strengthen your eye muscles and increase their flexibility, making them less prone to injury and high pressure.
- Practice focusing your eyes on both near and faraway objects. Find a relaxing place to sit, without any distractions. Hold your thumb approximately in front of your face and focus your eyes on it. Focus on your thumb for five to 10 seconds, then switch your focus to another object, between away from you. Alternate between focusing on your thumb and focusing on the far away object for 1-2 minutes.[21]
- This exercise helps to strengthen the eye muscles and improve your overall vision.
- Focus on your thumb and move it towards and away from your eyes. Stretch one hand directly out in front of you, then stick up your thumb. Focus both eyes on the thumb, then slowly move your thumb towards you until it is about away from your face. Move your thumb away from you again, keeping both eyes on it at all times. Continue to focus on your moving thumb for 1-2 minutes.
- This exercise improves your focusing skills and also helps to strengthens your eye muscles.
- Look into biofeedback to alleviate eye pressure. Biofeedback teaches you to control normal bodily processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. A biofeedback therapist can teach you proper technique so you can begin to practice on your own.[22]
[Edit]Seeking Medical Help - See an eye specialist for a diagnosis. High eye pressure (medically known as ocular hypertension) is difficult to diagnose, as it does not show any visible symptoms such as redness or eye pain. A diagnosis cannot be made using visual examination alone, so you will need to have your eyes examined by an eye specialist. He will use a combination of methods to identify ocular hypertension.
 - Tonometry. This procedure is used to measure intraocular pressure in the eyes and gauge whether the level of pressure is still within normal limits. The eye is numbed and then an orange dye is inserted to help the specialist identify the level of pressure. A machine is used to measure the pressure in the eye by applying pressure to the eye. However, it's important to take the corneal thickness into account as people with thicker corneas may show falsely higher measurements.[23]
- A reading of 21mmHg or higher usually indicates the presence of ocular hypertension. It's rare for someone with a reading of 30 mmHg or less to have glaucoma. However, other conditions can affect this reading, such as head or eye injuries or a buildup of blood behind the cornea.
- Air puff. With this procedure, the patient is asked to look straight into an apparatus while the specialist shines a light into the eye. The apparatus then sends a quick puff of air directly into the eye. A special machine reads the pressure by assessing the changes in the light reflections upon the strike of air into the eye.
- Discuss potential causes of the condition with your doctor. Ocular hypertension is associated with increasing age along with other factors. Several factors may contribute to the development of ocular hypertension, including:[24]
- Excessive aqueous production. Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid manufactured in the eye. It drains from the eye by means of the trabecular meshwork. If excessive aqueous humor is produced, the pressure in the eye increases.
- Inadequate aqueous drainage. Improper drainage of aqueous humor can lead to increased eye pressure.
- Certain medications. Certain drugs (such as steroids) can cause ocular hypertension, especially in people with pre-existing risk factors.
- Eye trauma. Any irritation or injury to the eye can affect the balance of aqueous production and drainage from the eye and may result in increased eye pressure.[25]
- Other eye conditions. Ocular hypertension is usually linked with other eye ailments such as pseudo exfoliation syndrome, corneal arcus, and dispersion syndrome.
- Identify your risk factors for ocular hypertension. Anyone can develop high eye pressure, but studies show that the following groups are at increased risk of developing the condition:
- African-Americans.
- Individuals over the age of 40.
- Persons with a family history of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
- People with thinner central corneal thickness measurements.[5]
[Edit]Warnings - Some of the fish recommended for increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids contain low level of mercury, but limited servings will not cause any harm to individuals. However, certain precautions must be taken by pregnant women or those hoping to conceive. They are advised to avoid eating king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish and shark.
- If you are already on a drop for your intraocular pressure, you should not stop it without discussing it with your ophthalmologist.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary - ↑ http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/hypertension.htm
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354923/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846
- ↑ http://www.iovs.org/content/48/2/756.long
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/31/Six-Natural-Strategies-to-Stop-Glaucoma-from-Robbing-You-Blind.aspx
- ↑ http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/cholesterol/22-worst-foods-for-trans-fat-1?pageart=3
- ↑ http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/vitamin_c.htm
- ↑ Filina A. A., Davydova N. G., Endrikhovskii S. N., Shamshinova A. M. [Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma]. Vestn Oftalmol 1995;111(4):6-8.
- ↑ Steigerwalt, R. D., Gianni, B., Paolo, M., Bombardelli, E., Burki, C., and Schonlau, F. Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects. Mol Vis 2008;14:1288-1292.
- ↑ Corbe, C., Boissin, J. P., and Siou, A. [Light vision and chorioretinal circulation. Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers (Endotelon)]. J Fr.Ophtalmol. 1988;11(5):453-460
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846
- ↑ https://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/what-vitamins-and-nutrients-will-help-prevent-my-glaucoma-from-worsening.php
- ↑ https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts
- ↑ http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20100505_glaucoma/index.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846
- ↑ https://us.discovericl.com/blog/eye-tips-eye-exercises
- ↑ https://us.discovericl.com/blog/eye-tips-eye-exercises
- ↑ https://us.discovericl.com/blog/eye-tips-eye-exercises
- ↑ https://us.discovericl.com/blog/eye-tips-eye-exercises
- ↑ http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/alternative-medicine.php
- ↑ ttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003447.htm
- ↑ http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/hypertension.htm
- ↑ http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/hypertension.htm
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| How to Water Orchids Posted: 12 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT Orchids are popular as houseplants, and wonderful varieties can be found in nurseries and garden centers. In the wild, orchids grow on trees, and their roots are exposed to sun and air and water. Potted orchids require special watering that mimics their natural environment. Water orchids sparingly, when their soil is almost dry. [Edit]Deciding When to Water - Water sparingly. No orchid variety needs to be watered every day. In fact, overwatering can cause an orchid's roots to rot and eventually die.[1] Unlike many houseplants, orchids should only be watered when they begin to dry out. Watering only when they're almost dry mimics an orchid's natural environment.
- Some orchids have water-storing organs, and some do not. If you have a type of orchid that has the ability to store water, such as cattleyas or oncidiums, you should allow the orchid to completely dry out before watering. If you have a type of orchid that does not have water-storing organs, such as phalaenopsis or paphiopedilums, you should water the orchid before it is entirely dry.
- If you're not sure what type of orchid you have, plan to water the orchid when it is almost dry, but still has just a bit of moisture left.
- Consider your climate. The frequency with which you water orchids is affected by the level of humidity in your climate, as well as the amount of sun the orchid gets and the temperature of the air. Since these factors vary according to region and household, there's no rule for how often to water an orchid. You'll have to develop a routine catered to your specific environment.
- If the temperature is cool in your home, your orchid will need to be watered less frequently than when the temperature is warm.
- If the orchid is in a sunny window, it will need to be watered more frequently than if you place it in a shadier spot.
- See if the potting mix looks dry. This is the first indication that it might be time to water the orchid. Orchid potting mix is usually composed of bark or moss, and if it looks dry and dusty, it might be time to water. However, just looking at the potting mix won't give you an accurate enough indication as to whether it's time to water.
- Lift the pot to check its weight. The pot will feel lighter when it's time to water the orchid. If it's heavy, that means there's still water in the pot. Over time, you'll get a sense of how heavy the pot feels when the orchid needs water versus how heavy it feels when it still has moisture inside.
- A pot that still contains moisture might look different, too. If your orchid is in a clay pot, it will look darker when it's still wet. If it's light in color, it might be time for a watering.
- Do a finger test. This is the best way to determine whether an orchid needs more water. Stick your pinky finger into the potting mix, taking care not to disturb the orchid's roots. If you don't feel any moisture, or you feel just a little, it's time to water the orchid. If you feel moist potting mix right away, give it more time. When in doubt, you should wait an extra day.
[Edit]Watering Correctly - Make sure the pot has drainage holes. You can't properly water an orchid unless it has holes through which the water can drain. Water sitting in the pot will cause the roots to rot, so it needs to be able to drain through the bottom. If you bought an orchid that came in an ornamental pot without holes, repot the orchid in one with adequate holes in the bottom. Use an orchid potting mix instead of regular potting soil.
- Look for special pots designed for growing orchids. These pots are usually made out of terracotta clay and have extra drainage holes in the sides. You should be able to find them in the same section as other planters.
- If you just want a quick way to water your orchid without having to transplant the orchid, you can use the ice cube method. Put the equivalent of 1/4 cup (59 ml) of frozen water (usually about three medium ice cubes) on top of the potting mix. Make sure that the ice never comes in contact with the orchid itself - it should only touch the soil. Let the ice cubes melt into the pot. Wait about a week before you do it again. This method is not optimal for the long-term health of the orchid, so only use it as a temporary solution.[2]
- Run the orchid under water. The easiest way to water an orchid is to hold it under a faucet and run it under room temperature water. If you have an attachment that allows you to diffuse the water, rather than just running it in one strong stream, that's better for the orchid. Water the orchid this way for a full minute, allowing the water to seep through the pot and come out the holes in the bottom.[3]
- Do not use water that has been softened or treated with harsh chemicals. If you have a special orchid species, see if you can use distilled water or rainwater.
- The water should pour rapidly through the pot. If it seems to be getting stuck in the pot, the potting mix you're using might be too dense.
- After watering the orchid, check the weight of the pot so you'll be able to tell the difference when the pot gets lighter and the orchid is ready to be watered again.
- Water in the morning or afternoon. That way the excess water will have plenty of time to evaporate before it gets dark. If water sits on the plant overnight, it can cause rotting to occur or leave the plant prone to diseases.
- If you see excess water sitting on the leaves, wipe it off with a paper towel.
- A few minutes after watering, check the saucer and empty it out so no water sits near the orchid.
- Mist your orchid. Since orchids thrive in humidity, misting your orchid is a great way to keep it healthy, especially since it prevents the roots from drying out. Fill a spray bottle with water, then spritz the plant a few times a day. How often you mist the orchid depends on the environment where you live. Drier environments will require more misting, while damp climates may require misting daily.[4]
- If you don't know if your orchid needs another mist, check to see if it feels dry.
- Don't let water collect on the leaves.
- You can find a spray bottle in most department stores or online.
- When an orchid is blooming or putting out lots of new leaves and roots, it will use more water.
- Orchid medium is coarse and porous allowing for good airflow to the orchid roots but still allowing them to retain some moisture. The easiest way to get a good orchid medium is to buy it pre-mixed from a good nursery.
- When an orchid is resting between bloom periods, it will use less water. This is generally late fall and early to mid-winter, depending on the species.
- A larger plant will require more water than a smaller plant in the same sized pot.
- Cool temperatures and low light will cause an orchid to need less water.
- In very humid conditions orchids need less water. In very dry conditions they will need more. Humidity levels of 50 to 60% are ideal.
- Look after them carefully
- If you live in a dry and sunny region, your orchids will need more frequent watering.
[Edit]Warnings - An orchid will die quickly in a pot submerged in water.
- If you use water-soluble fertilizers, salts may build up on the medium or the pot and eventually harm the orchid. Do not use fertilizer with every watering.
- If you pour water over flowers of an orchid small spots of mold will appear on the flowers. This doesn't harm the orchid but it spoils it's looks.
- An orchid whose leaves look wilted or limp can be suffering from either too much water, which rots the roots and makes water unavailable to the leaves, or it can be too dry. Check by touching the medium before watering.
- Don't let water collect on the leaves of your orchid because it could cause bacterial growth and rot.[5]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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