Question
I would like to know the right way to water these orchids as 3 of my friends who all have lovely orchids water them in a different way either standing them in water to let them soak it up or pouring water thru the pot & letting them drain??
My orchid flowered for the 2nd time but 3 of the 4 buds dropped off. Do you know the reason for this please?

Answer
Thanks for your questions Bella.  First, as to watering.  Without making it too complex, watering should be thorough so that all parts of he potting mix get wet. As you have described, there are several ways to do this. Also important is water quality.  Water with a high mineral content is not desirable.  Rain water is good quality. Feeding plants can leave some of the minerals behind in the potting mix. This can be remedied by a flushing with occasional clear water such as rain water.  A period of drying is important after heavy watering so the potting mix is not constantly wet. Also, avoid leaving the pot in standing water which can wick into the potting mix keeping it too wet.  The pot should be well drained so, when watering, water can flow freely out of the pot. Repot annually in a good draining potting mix.  Degraded potting mix holds water longer.

There are many reasons for flower drop. There could be root damage preventing the flow of nutrients to the buds.  Young plants may not have the strength to open all of the buds, however, if the plant is healthy and has bloomed better on its first flowering, the problem could be environmental such as lack of humidity or dry atmosphere from air movement. Moving the plant while in bud can produce enough environment change to disrupt flowering.