To be able to bring them the appropriate care, it’s very important to first understand who they are. Orchids originally come from a tropical environment with a lot of moist, lights but not direct sun. There are 2 families of orchids: epiphytic or terrestrial.
Epiphytic orchidsEpiphytic orchids live on tree or branch growing from other plants. Unlike parasites, they don’t gain any food or any nutriment from the tree on which they grow. Their main characteristic is the air roots that grow unattached and dry out in between periods of rain. They need an open medium with a good aeration and drainage. Cattleya, vanda, phalaenopsis and dendrobium are epiphytic
Terrestrial orchidsTerrestrial orchids live on the ground in a water retentive humus or rotting wood and leaves. To grow in the best condition they need a constantly moist, but not soggy soil. Cymbidium, miltonia, paphiopedilum are terrestrial
Just like some orchids may be killed by being planted in soil when they are not a terrestrial type orchid, giving too much water to some others may sign their death warrant! Indeed many people still do the mistake that as these plants are native from tropical rainforests they need watering several times a week. Depending on the type of the orchid and the season, if the plant is in active growth or not, the quantity & frequency should be different, from 5 to 12 days in average. Don’t forget also that orchids hate draughts and always need a good humidity, about 50 to 70%, especially indoor orchids. That’s one of the reason why phalaenopsis are so beautiful when placed in bathroom for example! To make it clearer and help you to enjoy them longer here are our simple recommendations:
Orchids that need evenly moist (not wet) at all times