Help with watering Phals, bomboo skewers?

[JerseyGirlBecky]

We have a store here that has all kind of unusual things. I spotted a pack of Bamboo skewers, and of course thought of my phals. I had read in one if the posts about putting a stick in the pots to check for wetness.
Well, I got them and put one in each pot. Amazing, the top bark is very dry, but the skewer is wet halfway up the stick. On Monday it will be two weeks since I watered. Without these I know I would have watered again.
I feel much better knowing it is still wet under a couple of inches of the bark.
Has anyone tried this?
Becky

[snappyguy]

I use bamboo skewers on my Beallara (Oncidium Alliance) and it works great. I found out I was watering it too much and they probably saved the plant. I'm very new to orchids, but I've found skewers very helpful.

[tucker85]

That's an excellent way to keep from overwatering. I think overwatering kills more orchids than anything else. Even moisture loving plants like phals.

[snappyguy]

Just be sure not to skewer the roots! I made a small hole with my skewer avoiding roots the first time, and it goes back in the same place each time so I know I won't be hitting any roots.

[WhiteRabbit]

all my orchid pots have skewers in them! it's been extremely helpful to me!