One of the most difficult factors in caring for orchids is determining how often to water them. Even the most experienced growers have trouble knowing when the plant is ready for water. Listed below are several tips for orchid watering.

1. When orchids are actively growing the plant needs more water than when it is in a rest state. During active growing the process known as transpiration increases. Transpiration is the process in which moisture is evaporated through the leaves and more water is sucked up through the leaves.

2. Resting orchids need to be partially dried out before watering. In their natural habitats, orchids rest during times when the weather is dryer as it is during winter months. So the plant goes into a water conservation mode. On good watering every two or three weeks mimics the plants natural environment.

3. A general rule is to water the typical orchid twice a week during growing season and once every two or three weeks while it is resting. Depending on the type and species of plant this will need to be adjusted. There are two basic types Terrestrial and Epiphytic. Terrestrial orchids grow in loose soil and ground cover on the forest or jungle floor while Epiphytic grow in cracks of rocks and crooks of trees. If terrestrial orchids get too much water the bulbs will rot and too little the bulbs will dry out. Epiphytic usually grow in tropics where the humidity is high and the moisture is plentiful. Some epiphytic plants will require watering a little more often.

4. Increase watering as soon as new growth shows up in the spring. During new growth keep a close eye on the soil or bark used to for potting to determine moisture. The bark used can hold a lot of moisture, so don't be fooled into thinking it is too dry. A useful tool for those just beginning to determine moisture amounts in the potting media is to have an empty pot with the same media in it. You water both the plant and the empty pot. Then you can dig your fingers in the empty pot to determine if the moisture content is high enough not to water. This will give you a moisture indication to go by.

5. An indication of watering too little or too much is limp foliage or shriveled pseudo bulbs. If this happens slip the plant out of the pot without breaking up the compost. Inspect the roots for wetness. It they are soggy or rotting you will need to slow down on watering. If they are dried and dying you should be watering more often. Older plants as they age will have roots that die naturally, but as a whole the roots should be moist but not soggy.

The best practice is to do some research on orchids to find a species that you can grow in the environment you can provide easily and you can usually find more specific orchid watering information.