So how often do you water? Well, there’s no single answer. Instead it depends on several interrelated factors, like light, temperature, humidity, air movement, and what orchid variety you have. High light, hot temps, dry air, and strong winds each increase an orchid’s thirst. Warm growers like Phals, Paphs, Oncidiums, and Dendrobiums will flourish with additional soakings. Always check that your flower pot drains completely, and orchid roots do not sit in water.

No orchid website or book can compete with your own observations, experience, and knowledge of local growing conditions. Pay attention, be flexible, and your orchid will reward you with amazing blooms.

Possibly the fastest growing orchid, this terrestrial replaces these tall stalks each year. New leaves emerge from the base of the previous year’s stalk (actually a pseudobulb,) and the new growth shoots up in just a few months. This species is native to the slopes of the Himalayas, and has a wide range from India east to Vietnam and north to China.

When new spring growth emerges after winter dormancy, Thunias need light watering and full sun. Too much water can rot new growth. Within a few weeks, the new stalks grow 6 inches (15 cm,) and should be moved into shadier conditions. By late spring, Thunias need heavy water and fertilizer to mimic the Indian Ocean monsoon in their native homes. After blooms that last a couple weeks, leaves turn yellow in the early autumn. At this point, watering and fertilizing should be reduced to a minimum. I keep this specimen cool and dry in winter, watering as seldom as once a month to keep the stalks from shriveling too much. If these varying seasonal care needs seem too daunting, just imagine the reward of seeing these gorgeous flowers hanging off a cornstalk.

In some parts of their native range in Southeast Asia, they’re so common that they’re considered weeds. Ludisias live in rainforests from India to Indonesia, and grow as terrestrials in sandy soil. They’re easy to root by placing cuttings of their thick stems into moss or water. Jewel Orchids enjoy the same conditions as African Violets: regular waterings, warm temps, high humidity, and shade. They’ll also grow under artificial lights.

In the past few years, new Ludisia colors and leaf patterns have appeared on the market. They’re also easy to grow. For all varieties, watch out for mealybug and scale, which may be a symptom of low humidity.

Their small, white flowers, standing on tall, fuzzy spikes above the foliage, are easier to appreciate with the benefit of Dave’s photography skills. They have a light, sweet scent. Of course, even when the flowers fade, the Jewel Orchid’s leaves continue the show.

Nectar spurs are long, narrow tubes with a drop of nectar at the bottom, and they’re good clues that this orchid is fragrant. One arcs down behind each flower. During daytime, it has little scent, but starting in the evening, it puts out a strong fragrance that reminds me of tuberose.

Related to Darwin’s Orchid and Oeoniella, Jumelleas can grow into large, attractive plants. The leaves form a fan pattern, and healthy specimens can grow 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall. Jumelleas enjoy conditions like Dendrobiums, with bright light, regular water and fertilizer, and winter dormancy.

In other news, a New York Times column on indoor gardening agrees with my opinion not to use ice cubes to water orchids:

Q: Someone who claimed he was a botanist, advised me to water my orchids by tossing a few ice cubes in them once a week. I am dubious — what do you think?
— Posted by Anna

A: The average temperature in the rain forest is about 77 degrees F. all year around. Dripping ice water on your orchid is not advisable, as is hanging around with a bartender who claims to be a botanist.

I’ll concede that some tough hybrids can handle ice water, but most orchid varieties cannot. Stick with room temperature water for indoor plants. The bartender can find a better use for the ice cubes.

Orchid beginners often grow easier hybrids instead of fussier species, but this species is easy to maintain and a reliable bloomer. Coconut Orchids are great transition orchids for beginners who may want to try their hand with some more advanced growing skills. Care for them like Cattleyas, with bright light, regular water & fertilizer, good humidity, and winter dormancy. Their rich red flowers, up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide, can last more than 2 months.

This orchid sports long, skinny, grass-like leaves that are deceptively sturdy. Maxillaria flowers bloom on short stems, so they’re often hidden in the foliage, but their fragrance gives them away. The final photo shows another plant with a color variation that’s more orange than red. No matter the hue, they smell just as sweet. Just don’t be surprised if they inspire cravings for Coconut Cream Pie.

Pronounced “oh-ee-NEE-ella,” rhymes with “go see me, Ella,” its name comes from Greek words describing the flower’s resemblance to an eagle’s wings. Maybe the pointed tip on the flower lip also inspired thoughts of a bird’s beak.

Oeoniellas are native to Madagascar, the Seychelles, and other small islands of the Indian Ocean. They need high humidity, bright light, warm temperatures, and regular water. With good humidity, they can handle temps over 90F (32 C.) Flowers can last a month or more. Like many white orchids from Africa, they’re only fragrant at night when their moth pollinators are active.

• Move orchids from their brighter winter locales to the shade needed for spring and summer. For most orchids, if leaves are a light green color, then the orchid is receiving enough light to bloom.
• Keep an eye out for new leaf and root growth, which often starts after flowers finish. This is a good time to repot, if necessary.
• For dormant orchids, increase watering and fertilizing gradually. With deciduous orchids like Bletilla and Cycnoches, water new growth sparingly for the first few weeks. Too much water can rot new leaves.
• As always, maintain high humidity and good air movement around plants. New growth is especially susceptible to pests when the air is dry or stagnant.
• For growers in colder climates, continue to watch for pests, keep plants in brighter light, and take heart that the long winter shall pass.

While melting ice allows the orchid to slowly absorb water, two successive regular-temperature waterings given 10 minutes apart can accomplish the same. Also, ice cubes may not provide enough water to run through the pot and flush out fertilizer residues.

If you’ve been using ice successfully, it’s likely that you have a tough, modern orchid hybrid. However, even resilient hybrids may produce less blooms than normal because of the cold. For all plants, cold slows down metabolic processes that are essential for growth. If ice has been working for you, then don’t stop on my account. But otherwise, save the ice for your lemonade or cocktail.

• Cattleya
• Cymbidium
• Dendrobium
• Epidendrum
• Miltonia
• Odontoglossum
• Oncidium
• Vanda

The following orchid varieties do not experience a dry season, but with lower light levels and cooler temperatures, it’s ok to give them a little less water also.

• Masdevallia
• Paphiopedilum
• Phalaenopsis

It’s always worth repeating that orchids need good humidity, but the dry air of home and office heating provides an extra challenge. Low humidity can cause blooms to wilt quickly. Dry air also invites pests, especially spider mites and scale.

Finally, consider adding extra light to compensate for the weak winter sun. That should keep you busy, but remember that repotting season is just around the corner.