Hope that the following helps some:
From Charles and Margaret Baker.
This was originally printed in 1993 in the American Orchid Society Bulletin, part one 62(8):794-799, and part two 62(9):901-908
WATER: All Miltoniopsis species and their hybrids need to be kept evenly moist. They should never be allowed to dry out completely. This "evenly moist" instruction is not a phrase intended to keep beginners confused and feeling like outsiders. Rather, it is an attempt to describe a concept that new growers often find difficult to grasp when all they really want is an answer the deceptively simple question, "How often should I water this thing?"
Unfortunately, it is not a simple question. In fact, so many variables enter into determining watering frequency that there is no way it can be accurately answered. Some of the elements that influence watering frequency include the season, the average temperature and humidity both outdoors and inside the growing area, the day length, whether skies have been clear or cloudy, the type of medium used, the type of pot used, the size of the pot, how long since the plant was repotted, and the strength of air movement in the growing area. Consequently, each grower must learn to determine when their plant needs water. Some of the tried and true methods include lifting the pot and judging the weight, working a finger into the medium to feel for moisture, or simply judgement and experience.
Obviously, it is impossible to keep a plant evenly moist. The degree of wetness varies depending on when it was last watered, and as soon as the moisture varies, it is no longer evenly moist. Thus, new growers perceive a catch 22. Generally it means that the plant should always be kept damp, but not soggy. One explanation we found helpful suggests that evenly moist means that the plant should be watered today if the grower feels it will need to be watered tomorrow. Unfortunately, the grower is still left with the frustrating task of determining if the plant will need to be watered tomorrow.
In our growing area, adult Miltoniopsis in 4-5 in. (10-13 cm) pots which are filled with our fir bark mix are usually sufficiently moist when they are watered 2-3 times a week from spring into autumn. During very hot, dry periods in summer, however, plants may require daily watering. However, during our often damp, dreary winter weather, plants may need to be watered as infrequently as once every 2-3 weeks.
The only time Miltoniopsis should be slightly drier is immediately after potting, especially if they are repotted before new roots are growing. Regular watering should be resumed as soon as new roots begin to enter the fresh medium.
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Miltoniopsis recovery advice needed.
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