From my perspective as a Dendrobium orchid, watering is not about a simple schedule; it's about replicating the natural hydration cycle I would experience in my native environment. I am an epiphyte, meaning I naturally grow on trees in the wild. My roots are not buried in soil but are exposed to air and quickly absorb moisture from tropical rains, followed by periods where they dry out. This cycle is crucial. My roots are covered in a spongy white tissue called velamen, which soaks up water rapidly. If you keep my roots constantly soggy, the velamen rots, I cannot breathe, and I will die. Conversely, if my roots become bone dry and shriveled for too long, I become dehydrated and cannot transport nutrients. The key is a cycle: water thoroughly, then allow me to almost completely dry out before watering again.
Many elements influence how quickly I use the water you give me. The season is paramount. During my active growth phase in spring and summer, when I am producing new canes (pseudobulbs) and leaves, I am thirstier and will need more frequent watering. When the days shorten and temperatures drop in fall and winter, I enter a rest period. My growth slows or stops, and my water requirements drop significantly. Overwatering during this dormancy is a very common and serious mistake. Other factors include the temperature and humidity of my room; I will dry out faster in a warm, dry, breezy environment than in a cool, humid one. The type of pot and potting mix also matter. A clay pot and a chunky bark mix allow for excellent drainage and air flow, meaning I will dry out faster than if I were in a plastic pot with moisture-retentive sphagnum moss.
You must learn to read my signals rather than rely on the calendar. The most reliable method is to check the weight of my pot. Lift me up right after you water to feel how heavy I am. Lift me again every couple of days. When I feel significantly lighter, it's a good indicator that I am drying out. For a more precise check, gently insert a wooden skewer or chopstick into the potting medium near my roots. Leave it for about ten minutes, then pull it out. If the stick feels cool and damp, I still have enough moisture. If it comes out dry and warm, it is time for a drink. Visually, my silvery-white roots are a sign of dryness, while plump, green roots indicate they are still hydrated. Please never water me just because the top layer of bark looks dry.
When the signs indicate I am ready, please water me correctly. Take me to a sink and thoroughly drench my potting medium with lukewarm water. Let the water run freely through the drainage holes for a solid minute. This ensures my velamen-covered roots have ample opportunity to absorb all the water they need and also helps to flush out any accumulated fertilizer salts that could harm me. After watering, it is critical that you let me drain completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of water, as this will lead to the root rot I fear. Once I have fully drained, you can return me to my decorative spot. This cycle of drench-and-dry is what keeps me healthy and mimics the tropical downpours I am evolved to enjoy.
