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Orchids need lots of water to thrive, but the coarse growing medium means that the water will drain quickly. Insert a pencil, wooden skewer, or your finger into the growing medium to check the growing medium’s moisture. If the pencil, wooden skewer, or your finger comes out dry, it’s time to water. If the pencil or skewer looks dark or your finger feels moist, then you do not need to water yet. You may also be able to determine when to water your orchids by the feel of the pot. Pick the pot up right after watering to feel its weight, then pick it up when the growing medium is dry. Do this several times to learn what a dry and moist orchid feels like, so you can use weight to determine when to water. Pour the water from a watering can onto the orchid for 15 seconds. Then, let the pot drain for 15 minutes, such as in the sink or outside. Do not let the plant sit in a pool of water. Avoid using distilled or salt-softened water. Just use plain tap water to water your orchids. Orchids require lots of water when they are growing and in bloom. You will most likely need to water your orchids daily if they are in wooden, slatted baskets or twice weekly if they are in pots. When the plant is dormant, such as during the winter months, you may only need to water your orchid once per week. Check the growing medium every couple of days to ensure that it is moist and determine when to water. You can apply a 20-20-20 fertilizer to the orchids once per week or you can dilute 1 part fertilizer with 4 parts water and use this solution to water your orchids. Make sure to choose a fertilizer that is meant for orchids for best results. You will only need to fertilize your orchids once per month during the winter months.
Check the moisture level of your orchid’s growing medium. Water the orchid first thing in the morning with lukewarm water. Water your plants daily or twice weekly. Fertilize your orchids weekly or along with waterings.