Vanda care while I am away - Orchid Board

mollycart1 · #1 02-21-2009, 11:48 AM

First of all, I apologize if this topic has been discussed before.

Well, thank to the frequent flyer milage, I am leaving town to San Diego for my vacation in March.

But, while I am gone for 4 days, my 15 Vandas, which are growing indoor under the 400w HID lights will not get watered.

What should I do?????????

I was thinking about turning the light off completely or reducing the duration of the time significantly. As far as the humidity level, it could stay between 55 - 65%.

cirillonb · #2 02-21-2009, 01:22 PM

Water them real well. Turn off the light and have a good time. In nature plants often have periods of drought and really dark days without consequence. I have my vanda in a pot but I did as above on recommendations from others and everything was OK. If you have your heat on and the area is very dry, try to improve humidity while you are gone.
Nick

l.ania · #3 02-21-2009, 02:41 PM

Molly, I thinks they should be ok

2 weeks ago "i forgot" about my vanda- I haven't watered it for 6 days

it looks well now, when I realized it hav not been watered so long... i put it into water, let it drink for 30 minutes... and I think it helped

Good luck, and have a nice time in San Diego !!!

Grandma M · #4 02-21-2009, 02:53 PM

Naoki
Thanks for this post. I have been wondering about the same question. My son has asked me to visit him for 4 or 5 days. I will do as you suggest. Thanks

Because of foot surgery, I haven't been able to go into my basement for 3 days. Hopefully my vandas are OK, with the lights remaining on.

Marilyn

mollycart1 · #5 02-21-2009, 03:03 PM

Nick, thank you! I will take your advise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by l.ania

Good luck, and have a nice time in San Diego !!!

Oh, I sure will. Not only will I be celebrating my birthday, but also I just happened to notice that there will be an orchid show down there. I am sure I will find some 'chids' which need a foster parent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Naoki
Thanks for this post. I have been wondering about the same question. My son has asked me to visit him for 4 or 5 days. I will do as you suggest. Thanks

Because of foot surgery, I haven't been able to go into my basement for 3 days. Hopefully my vandas are OK, with the lights remaining on.

Marilyn

Marilyn, prior to posting this thread, I almost sent you a PM to see how you do it. How is your foot, btw. Take care.

Don Perusse · #6 02-21-2009, 10:13 PM

Only 4 days and you are worried? Don't be, just go and enjoy. I am in the process of trying to move and have to be away for 7-8 days at a time every 3 weeks or so and mine don't get watered. I have about 25 and 5 are in bloom right now and they have not suffered at all. Of course this is winter and the cooler weather is here but I know I would have to make other arrangements if it were summer and the temps were well above 80's. Have a great time. Life is too short to do otherwise.