Watering Orchids: When I am at home: (which has been constant, the last 1 1/2 years because of COVID-19) I have watered them every few days with just a small amount of plain water (a Tablespoon amt.). But about every 2-3 weeks I check them all. I empty them always fully - then place 1/4 cup of fertilizer water in them.
The fertilizer water: It is made up of blue powdered Plant Food for Orchids by Schultz. I use an 1/8 of a teaspoon in a quart of water that dissolves very quickly when stirred with a spoon. I use only water that has stood a few days in re-used open plastic juice bottles. This takes out the chlorine or other chemicals that might be in the water as well as make the water room temperature. I fill them immediately after I empty them with tap water.
Some orchids come planted in a Moss type of media. These do not have to be watered often. You just check that the moss is damp. The thing about these Phalaenopsis kinds of orchids is - they do not like wet feet. Their roots absorb the moisture given then and that is enough. They can even go a day or two without water and use the water in their roots. If you water them to much the sturdy green leaf will become floppy. You can take the plant out of their container, cut off all the dead roots, and replant them in the orchid bark you buy at the store.
Planting Orchids: If you plant the Orchid in the bark media, you must make sure the bark is damp - not wet, but damp. That is the environment they like. When I replant an orchid, after removing the orchid from the old container, I cut off all the dead roots, I draw in the straggly good roots and put them in the new clean container, then add the bark in and around the roots. When it seems a bit tight in the container with the bark, then I fill the container (that has the roots and the bark tight into it) with water up to the top. They are left to soak for a 1/2 day in the water. Then the water is drained out and the plant in the container is bagged for a few weeks. I use a twister to fasten shut the top of the bag. This creates like a Hot-House for them for a few weeks until they get use to their new environment and catch.
Orchids are great for those who travel. Just fill them with water for a day, then empty it out and bag them in a plastic bag with a twister. When you return un-bag them, give them just a little water and they will do fine.
Where to locate them: I have mine where it is light, but little direct sunshine - on the windowsills facing East, North, and West. From reading I understand that their roots like a bit of sunlight. Don't worry if a bottom leaf goes yellow once in a while. Cut it off. Orchids continue to grow more green leaves from the top.
When the flowers die: They do die. Then the spindly stock starts to dry. No need to wait. Cut the stock down just above one notch up from where it is inserted into the plant. Always use clean scissors. Just be faithful to your plant and she will bloom again. I usually see the new stocks come up about January. You do not need to repot every year and it will bloom again after a few months. You can go for 3 years, but then flowers will be fewer but just as beautiful. Repot them when you can. If you want the best out of a plant and you do not have a lot of time Orchids are a great choice.
It is the same with life, God tells us not to spend a lot of time on ourselves - He is caring for us. He is looking after us even to help us be beautiful. Matt. 6:28 - "So, why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these...". God does a marvelous artistic job on flowers. Just take the time to gaze a moment at them!
By Rebeque Johnson, Ministerial Spouses Leader for SDACC