Orchids are different from most other houseplants, so watering less is usually a fairly simple matter.
With the exception of some unusual orchids such as the Lycaste, there is a generally a two-part rule with orchids. They like a humid environment, but at the same time, they do not like standing water. The root of the plant may appear slightly wet, but the plant itself is adapted to drain quickly.
The orchid should be watered once a week, or when the potting medium has started to dry out. What would happen if you let the plant dry out? You should watch carefully, and keep a careful eye on the roots. If they are brittle and dry, you should water it. If the roots are soft and Sprinkle with water, then wait a day or two before you water it again.
When the temperatures get hotter the orchid will need more water. Water it when the medium is beginning to dry out but is still slightly damp.
How do you know when to water again? The symptoms are rather easy to notice. If it is still damp, you have to water it. If it is starting to dry out, water it. If the leaves are dry and falling off the plant, water it.
The only way to be sure you have given the orchid enough water is to feel it. Do not use a water meter as this will also waste water. Use a flexible plastic stick or a pointing stake to stick into the potting medium. Check for dampness with your fingers.
When you water the orchid, give it a small amount and then leave it alone. This process of watering will help the plant to get used to the new water and will reduce the shock of a really dry spell.
Orchids like a lot of water, but they do not like to drown. Unlike most other types of houseplants, orchids do not need to be watered for long periods of time.
If your orchid is not blooming, it is possible that it is a little dry inside. You need to be observant. Be aware of the media you are using. It is reasonable to use tap water for watering your plants, but rain water is much better. tap water has important minerals that orchids do not need. Rain water will have all of those that your plant needs.
If you have ever been out in the rain and collected lawn clippings, then you know that these can be put to good use in your watering plan. Compressed lawn clippings work well.
Another consideration is the composition of your potting medium. Fir bark mixed with charcoal is good for orchids. This is how I repot most of my orchids. Fir bark will hold moisture well and will not lose moisture quickly. Expensive commercial potting mixes are made up of pine bark, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fir bark. There are managing additives that are available to help the plant to cope with drought conditions.
When your orchid is not blooming, it is most likely not getting enough nutrients. You can get special orchid fertilizers from your local garden center.
Potting medium may need to be re-potted when the plant outgrows its container. If you do this, do not re-pot the plant until the medium is almost dry. If the medium is soaked with water, it will be soggy and actually rot and this will harm the roots. If the medium is wet, it will be soggy and slow to dry.
Dendrobiums are exposed to the lowest light levels of the plant’s growing season. When they are not blooming, they are not required to be watered as frequently. About every 10-14 days is a good general rule of thumb.
Nomon Grow Growth
This variety of orchids is a tiny bit more challenging to care for as you will have to monitor moisture levels more closely. Dendrobiums will benefit from humidity created by a humidifier or some other method of providing moisture.
Miltonia Grower
You will need to make sure that the medium you use is not too wet. Miltonias require very little water and thrive on simple watering. Before you water the plant, you will need to check that the surface of the root ball is dry. It is generally best to just lightly mist the leaves to provide the moisture.
Vandas Grow Lean
Vandas specifically benefit from being just right in the right medium. They do not like either too much moisture or too little. experimental growers will have to watch for signs of under-watering or over-watering.
