While the needs of different orchid species can vary, it's relatively easy to determine the quantity and frequency of water that your plants require.
There are many factors that affect the amount of water an orchid needs and how quickly it uses the water you provide.
Understanding those factors and learning a few tips about how and when you should water orchids will help you get it right.
The amount of water your plants consume at any given time can depend on:

• The season - naturally, they'll drink more water during hot weather.
  
• Their growth phase - an orchid that is experiencing a growth phase after flowering may consume more water because it's more active.
  
• Your plant's root system - orchids with pseudobulbs store water.
  
• Pot size - if your plant is too big for the pot it may quickly consume the water you provide.
  

Novice orchid growers often make basic mistakes when it comes to watering their orchids.
Getting it wrong can result in your orchid dying or experiencing very poor health.
Here are a few tips that may prevent you from making a fatal error:

• Know how quickly your orchid is consuming water.
  This is simply a matter of monitoring the moisture level in the pot which you can do using your finger.
  
• Ensure that your orchid pot has good drainage.
  Orchids don't like to sit in soppy conditions.
  You should never sit them in a bowl of water so they can drink at their leisure.
  Doing so can result in rotting roots.
   An orchid pot should contain a layer of bulky material at the base that facilitates quick drainage of excess water.
  
• Once a week is a good watering frequency for orchids although this may expand to twice a week during summer or the growth phase.
  If you are watering more often and your plants are quickly drying the pots may be too small for your plants.
  
• When you do water, allow the water to saturate the pot - excess water will drain away if you have the right material in the pot.
  
• Most orchids prefer to almost dry out before you water them again.
  Plants with pseudobulbs store water so even when the pot is almost dry they are not in immediate danger of going thirsty.
  
• Orchids should be watered in the morning rather than the late afternoon.
  Watering them too late means that when the cold night air arrives your orchids' leaves may be still wet.
  

When it comes to getting this aspect of orchid care right, the most effective tool in your arsenal is your own power of observation.
Checking the moisture levels, observing the water consumption rates, and examining the drainage conditions will quickly alert you to any orchid watering mistakes you may be currently making.
Don't worry if you've been getting it wrong.
Make the necessary changes and you could see a dramatic turn around in their health.