There are so many different types of orchids and they also consume different quantities of water
. Some store it in pseudobulbs while others have a more typical root system. Seasonal factors and the size and growth phase of the individual plant will also determine the amount of water it needs and how quickly it will consume the water you provide. How often you water a particular orchid may change during the course of the year.
There are often visible signs if you are over or under-watering and there are some broad principles that can help you decide how often to water.
Most orchids dislike being permanently soaked or being in a position where their roots are covered with water. The varieties that store water in pseudobulbs may appear to be consuming water faster but in fact, because they're storing it for later use, they don't need to be watered until their pot has dried or almost dried out.
The temperature, the size of the orchid and the pot it lives in, and whether it is actively growing will also determine how quickly it consumes the water you provide. Monitoring the moisture in the pot will give you a good indication.
If you know the variety of orchid you have you'll be able to find out about any unique preferences but the basic principles below apply to many orchids and may assist you to correct any mistakes you are currently making.
Orchids require good drainage so make sure they pot you use has holes for drainage on the bottom and don't leave the pot sitting in a tray that holds water. Sitting in water may cause your plant's roots to rot or kill the orchid.
Familiarize yourself with how much your plant is drinking physically check to see how damp the pot is. You can use your finger or insert a slim piece of wood to see if damp material sticks to it.
Start by watering just one day per week and allowing the pot to become almost dry before re-watering. If your orchid is in a growing phase or it is summer time, you might find the pot dries out a little faster and you need to water two times a week.
When you do water, give the pot a good soaking and allow the excess to drain away.
Do your watering in the morning rather than the afternoon so your orchid's leaves are not wet when the cooler night air arrives.
If you find your orchid is consuming the water you give it on a daily basis, perhaps it's time for a larger pot or you are simply not giving it enough when you do water.
Many orchids have died due to neglect or ignorance of their needs - but perhaps almost as many have met their death by drowning. The answer to the question of how often to water orchids is really as simple as this as often as they need water.