So I understand that orchids need a lot of water… I received it 11/13 and I haven’t watered it due to there being water at the bottom and when I put my finger in the pot it is moist. Should I go ahead and water or continue to wait until completely dried out?
Orchids are beautiful and delicate plants that require specific care to thrive. When it comes to watering, overwatering can be damaging to orchids, so it's important to allow the growing medium to dry out between waterings. If the orchid's growing medium is still wet at the bottom and moist after ~13+ days, it's likely that the orchid has been overwatered. It's important to allow the growing medium to dry out to prevent root rot and other issues associated with overwatering. The frequency of watering an orchid can vary depending on factors such as the type of orchid, the growing medium, the environment, and the season. In general, orchids are often watered about once a week, but this can vary. A good way to determine when to water an orchid is to check the growing medium. When the growing medium is dry to the touch about an inch below the surface, it's usually time to water again. To care for an orchid properly, it's important to consider the specific type of orchid and its individual needs. If it's a Phalaenopsis orchid, which is one of the most common types of orchids, it's important to water it thoroughly and then allow the growing medium to dry out before watering again. Other types of orchids may have different watering needs. In summary, if the orchid's growing medium is still wet and moist after 13 days, it's likely being overwatered. Allow the growing medium to dry out before watering again, and consider the specific needs of the type of orchid you have for the best care.
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A few things that may help keep you from overwatering: 1) you could repot in unglazed clay. Unglazed pots are porous so they dry out faster. 2) you can pot the orchid in a clear plastic pot and put it inside the pot you have. Then you can pull it out and easily inspect it to see if it’s dry. 3) you can let it dry out as is and then just pick up the pot and get a feel for its weight dry. In the future, you can just pick it up and sense if it’s too heavy, it doesn’t need water.
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