Leaving my orchids unattended... help!

[Becca]

I just wanted to say that I agree with everyone else as well. I think if they are all potted and not mounted, that they would be fine for a week if you water them right before you leave and top off the humidity trays. I am only taking my mounted orchids to the orchid sitter....and I know money is money when things are tight, but it was much cheaper then I expected. It will be six cents a day per orchid...so the most it will cost is about $20.00!

[cirillonb]

Originally Posted by Jorch

If you can, move them indoor to a shadier spot. Even putting them in the shade for a week (but don't drench beforehand) is ok. Shirley's idea of using the bathtub is a good idea too. Leaving them unattended for only a week is usually fine, unless you have very touchy species like mounted pleuros that need constant attention.

I guess the quandary now is to drench or not to drench. Any further comment from people who have done it one or both ways in the past?
Nick

[Lorraine]

Just my . When I was gone for about a week I watered well the day before. The dens will be fine anyway, they like to dry off inbetween anyway. Trays with water for humitity should be fine too. You have some good advice to draw from. Make sure you don't have ANY water near the crown of the phals or you might have a problem. (crown rot) when you get back. I usually set my phals in a pail or such to get soaked from the bottom just to the base of the phal. I lost a favorite by not knowing. Have fun on your trip.

[Jorch]

Originally Posted by cirillonb

I guess the quandary now is to drench or not to drench. Any further comment from people who have done it one or both ways in the past?
Nick

It depends on how "shady" the area is. If it gets bright indirect light, then drenching is ok. if it is a very shady spot, then drenching beforehand might lead to root rot. The amount of water you give the plant is related to the amount of light, temperature and air movement that they will receive while you are away