What do you do with orchids on vacation with no sitter?

[scy]

Hi,

I am going on vacation soon and will be gone for about 9 days. Currently I water my orchids twice a week and was wondering what can I do if I don't have anyone to come water my orchids? Last time I asked my in-laws, half of them were unpotted when I came back.

They are growing indoors in an east facing window. Will it be enough if I just put a sheer curtain in front, so it will get less light (and therefore need less water??)

Please let me know what you suggest. I'd like to have a cheap option and not go crazy on an elaborate setup. Thanks!

[Bud]

water your plants liberally, put water in a saucer under the pot and then go for 9 days....they will survive. I left for two weeks but I will not do that to my plants again....no need for sheer curtains....less light=less water is not true; you are already depriving them of moisture why deprive them of light?

[cbuchman]

Search for vacation on the OB. Lots of previous discussion including putting them in the bathtub. 9 days isn't so long. You should be able to manage with some preparation.

[CTB]

The bathtub works great, shower them down before you go and they should be fine, leave bathroom light on, if no windows.

[RosieC]

I put my mounts (usually daily watering) in the bathtub. I leave the plug in and maybe a little bit of water around the plug as long as it does not come under where the plants actually are.

I've had them stay fine for 7-8 days in reasonably hot weather using that method and I can't see that a couple more days would make much difference.

My bathtub is not in the sun at all, but there is a window the other side of the room.