Water orchid when new growth appears

Watering usually causes most problems for orchids, and most beginners often overwater. An orchid should never have its roots standing in water. Unlike plants in soil, orchids have 'pseudo pods' which take up the water and hold it for the plant to drink. The root system can look dry but may not be. If there is enough water you will notice the roots have plumb looking parts which are the 'pseudo pods'.

Usually the orchid will come in a nursery pot, which has holes that drain away surplus water.  Leave the orchid in the nursery pot (although you can set this into a more ornamental pot if you like). When watering take the nursery pot out of the ornamental pot and dip it into a tray of tepid, soft water at room temperature. Leave the plant in the water for 5-10 minutes. Drain the plant and put it back in its ornamental pot.

If you have overwatered, the roots are not getting the oxygen they need and may go on to die. You will also notice some of the leaves may be turning yellow and drop off (also a sign of under watering). The pseudo pods will have furrows which run the length of them. The leaves will become thinner, won't fully expand and will wilt.

Under watering is usually the case if the plant is in a direct sun for long periods of time. Some of us will only mist the plant instead of watering. The signs of under watering are essentially the same as over watering.