Transcription: How do you know when to water your plants? Probably more orchids are killed by over-watering than not. One of the ways that I use, that I like, is to use a lead pencil and insert it into the potting mix. Withdraw it, look at it. If it's very dry, it's time to water. If it is moist, I wait a day before I water my plants. Be careful if you grow your orchids well. It's addictive and you only want more different orchids. Good luck.