Question
i have been given a baby orchid. It has 2 stems, one with 5 buds and one with 3. Do i water it ever week from the top or just stand it in lukewarm  water? It hasnt got a name but it is white with a yellow centre. Hope this info is ok.

Answer
Hello Annette,

It would be nice to know what type of orchid you have but I suspect it might be a phalaenopsis orchid.  With that suspicion, here are my recommendations.  

You did not mention where you live so watering it every week might be just right or too often.  Phals. prefer having the potting mix become barely moist between waterings, so depending upon where you are growing it, the temperature and whether there is some air movement around it, would influence how fast or slow it dries out.  

In many cases, it is best to water phalaenopsis orchid by standing it in lukewarm water rather than pouring water over it.  The reason for this is to prevent a possible fungus infection to grow and kill it.  Also, it is best to water in the morning to allow enough time for any water on the leaves to dry by nightfall.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck.  If you have any other questions or would like more information about the above, write back and I'll try to answer them.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.