When thinking about these plants’ water needs, think about the environments that they come from – mostly seasonally wet savannah. That means that there’s a distinct wet and dry season that you must emulate for the plant. During active growth (regardless of growing indoors or in a greenhouse), water should be liberally applied. The potting mix should be moist and dry slightly between watering. Plants should not dry out completely during growth. If growing indoors, you may keep the plant sitting in a tray of water that’s about ½” deep. If adding more water, always add to the top of the medium. Avoid wetting foliage or allowing water to sit in the center of the growth.
As plants enter dormancy in fall, allow the potting mix to start drying out more over time.
- In a greenhouse – during dormancy, water should be nearly completely withheld.
- Indoors – during dormancy, keep the media lightly moist like a wrung-out sponge. This can be done by occasional light watering or spritzing the medium. The medium can completely dry out, but not for more than a few days.
During dormancy, if needed, water lightly to rehydrate the pseudobulbs if shriveled severely.