Just how do you all do it?

[utah]

I guess, from all the posts, the best advice would be to get an orchid moisture meter (not a regular moisture meter but one specifically designed for orchids) and check, daily, what the needs of your orchids are. Arrange them by need and keep an eye on them - weather conditions make a big difference too. My typical humidity here is about 5% so my orchids need more watering than say someone in Florida.

Get to know your orchids and, yes, hand watering is the *best* way to do that. It also helps you see any early signs of problems and you can do an early whoopee dance when you see the start of a spike!

Talking to them (pleading with them , etc.) helps too.

[rogerman]

I water my plants daily. My Vanda's, Rhyn and asco. are all in pots with holes and with no potting media at all. I never have any problem with rot.
Cattleyas and dendrobiums on the other hand are in blocks of coconut, but once the water hits the top of the block, it falls out the bottom. I don't have a rot problem for these except for very young seedlings that have just been potted.

[bodaciousbonsai]

when you have mastered watering you have mastered orchids

[orchids3]

The best wetness guage I have found. Pick up the pot of several of the same type - if they feel heavy they are wet and dont need water if they are light they are dry and need water. It takes a little practice but it works.