| Welcome Ben -
The frequency of watering is what you want to be concerned with not the amount. In fact at least every few months you want to let a significant amount of water pour through the media to wash out excess mineral deposits that may be forming in the pots. In the meantime, be not afraid to let it run through quite a bit to assure you are getting the entire contents quite damp. Of course as in any plant - no sitting in water. As you have heard, overwatering frequency is probably the number one way doing orchids in - which will rot their roots - phals (moth orchids) are especially prone to this. It depends upon the media used and the environment as to how often to water those - wait until just before totally dry to re-water. Depending upon the time of year - for me that can be anywhere from 7-21 days. The paphs can be kept a little wetter. Depending upon the type and again conditions - for me this might be 1-2X week.
Paphs send up what is called a new "fan" every year. In fact, as they mature they might send up several new "fans" - these are NOT new/additional plants but under the media you will find they are extensions of the previous year's growth. Each year's new growth is what the new flower's will come on the next time. Both these orchid types can be expected to bloom once per year. Enjoy! mike  |