Bamboo skewers and watering frequency

[SoCalOrchidMan]

Hi Everyone.
I was having difficulty knowing when to water. Briefly, grow Cattleyas in a greenhouse in So California in both clay and plastic pots, bark and crushed brick. (I like to experiment). The advice I received here was to try bamboo skewers; to pull one out and touch to upper lip and with the slightest of moisture, do not water. What I found is that I must of been watering too frequently. because the skewers stay moist for sometimes as long as 8 days maybe more. It almost kills me to let my plants go for such a long time because there are lots roots crawling around the pot and on the surface that I know dry out much quicker than those in the mix. But I am holding back the water. My two questions are:
How are these roots that are not down into the media staying alive and will they stay healthy?
And does what I am doing sound ok? Does 8 days of moisture in a 4 inch plastic pot with bark sound about right? Anyone with helpful advice, please comment. Thanks.