First of all, you must know which type of orchid you are growing. There are about 20,000 species of orchids most of which have varying needs. Generally, Phalaenopsis or Moth orchid is common and suitable for beginners. The importance of water is one which must never be overlooked. Watering orchids properly ensure that they live longer and flourish gorgeously. Contrary to common perceptions, orchids do not need plenty of water although they are tropical plants. They grow in wild forests where they are covered from direct sunlight and rain. Thus, you must avoid overwatering your orchid as this could harm the plant or even kill it. Too much water retained on the orchid may lead to bacterial and fungal growth which is definitely bad for its health. The best recommended duration for watering your orchid is about once a week. However, during hot climate or summer seasons, you may water the plant every 5 days. While on winters, water it about once in ten days or two weeks. The best time for orchid watering is in the morning when the weather is warm and sunny so that your orchid will dry out by nighttime.

Make sure that the potting medium remains moist but not soggy. You can check the potting medium with your finger before you water the plant again. If the growing medium's surface is dry, then it's okay to water the plant. However, if it is still wet, wait until the surface dries out.

The best water to use for your orchid is rainwater. Tap water contains salt amounts and chlorine which are not suitable for orchids while rainwater consists of essential nutrients for the plant. You can collect rainwater during rainfall. Although, if it rarely rains in your area, you may use distilled water alternatively.

Use a pot which has proper water drainage. It should have holes in the bottom or sidewall which are big enough to drain water properly. Orchids should not be left in a water-logged potting medium.

Humidity levels around 40-60% should be maintained for orchids. This is typically higher than the normal humidity in our homes so you need to create an artificial humid environment for your plant. You can do this by putting a tray with one-inch sides. Add flat marbles or rocks in the tray and fill it with rainwater. You can then put the orchid pot on the rocks. Take note: don't let the plant touch the water. Through this, the water evaporation from the tray creates a humid environment around the orchid. You may refill it with water when necessary.

To ensure that you have a proper watering schedule for your plant, you can put a mark or note on your calendar whenever you water your plant. As what has been mentioned earlier, once a week is best recommended but this schedule may differ depending on the season or climate.

Additional Tip: You can put about one to two ice cubes on top of the potting medium (soil) near the pot's edge. Through this, you don't have to worry about overwatering your orchid nor under watering it. As the ice cubes melt, your orchid receives adequate amount of water to sustain it.