watering dilemma

[janeteagle51]

can I offer an almost foolproof way of knowing when to water a phalenopsis, or any house plant. Buy some bamboo skewers, insert into the medium. Pull it out after a few minutes, if its dry or almost dry, then its time to water the plant. If its damp or feels cool to your cheek then wait a little longer. I have found this tip very useful, I hope you do.

[Amanda L]

That is a very good tip indeed. I personally use clear pots, this allows me to see the roots of my chids, so I can better judge when to water. I use the skewer method for my Brom.

[RosieC]

I also favour clear pots, but I use the skewer technique for any without clear pots. I like to leave the skewer in place all the time so that it always goes back in the same hole.

[PitcherASAMD]

This is a fabulous idea! Thanks for the hint. I just used a wooden chop stick and made a new hole in my orchid medium and it's my new inexpensive water monitoring system! U guys rock

[camille1585]

I used to use the skewer method for all my phals, but with the clear pots it much easier to monitor root color. I still use the skewer for my oncidiums, since I have more trouble figuring out their watering needs.

[PitcherASAMD]

Next time I need to replant my catt I'll definitely be using the clear pot method Seems like the way to go. That said, I'm working with what I've got at the moment!

[nhman]

Or.......one can pot Catts into vanda-type baskets and then it becomes very hard to over-water them!!
(The use of some plastic screen type material at the bottom of the basket will keep the potting material from falling out of the slots of the basket, by the way....)