Anyone interested in succeeding with Orchids needs to learn about watering Orchids.

There is a kind of paradox involved when it comes to watering Orchids. They like a moist atmosphere and they like watering, but they cannot endure too much water for more than a limited length of time.

And what seems to add to the sense of confusion with Orchids is that even though they like a moist atmosphere, they also like to stay dry for certain periods of time.

The important thing to remember is that when it comes to watering Orchids, you should try to simulate the conditions that makes them thrive in their natural habitat. To learn about this habitat, do your homework and find out what type of environment your specific Orchid comes from. They usually come from regions of the earth where there are only two seasons in a year, a wet and a dry season. In our area, though, there are four distinct seasons.

So the thing to do is to water your Orchids so that they remain in a moist environment, but at the same time let them dry out too, otherwise root rot may set in.

It so happens that there is nothing worse for Orchids than root rot. And to trying to avoid root rot from setting in is the biggest challenge faced by Orchid cultivators. Some have compared Orchids to cats; they are self-sufficient if you take good care of them, but beyond that they become temperamental. Orchids do not need daily watering except under circumstances that may require extreme management, such has a hot dry spell. But if the habitat you keep your Orchids in has high enough humidity and daily temperatures (such as between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit), you don't need to water them more than about twice a week. Remember, air conditioning may keep the temperature and humidity nice for a person but it only keeps the temperature right for an orchid.

The Orchid has a unique root system. The roots of an Orchid have been compared to "straws" that seem to suck moisture and nutrients out of their immediate environment. The reason why too much water can damage the roots of an Orchid is that in the presence of excessive moisture the outer layers of the roots begin to soften and a kind of decomposition begins to set in.

If the orchid roots are allowed to sit in water and do begin to rot immediate action must be taken. Remove as many of the dead or damaged orchid roots as possible and adjust your watering schedule.

Avoiding this situation is obviously not impossible. You just need to remember to give your Orchids enough water, but not more than they need so that they can undergo the proper drying out between waterings. Another thing to remember is that ventilation is also important for the healthy Orchid. Some cultivators actually use electric fans for this purpose. Once such a fan is set up right, the Orchid can receive circulated air that is going to keep the roots properly aired and thus they can remain healthy and thriving.