How long can potted orchids go without water?

[Wade Coleman]

Hey y’all, I’m going on a week long trip back home to visit family and I’m a little worried about my plants. I have a cattleya and several Phalaenopsis that I know will be okay for a week without water, but I also have a couple paphiopedilum, oncidiums, a dendrobium, an epidendrum, and a psycopsis that need a bit more water. Will they be okay for a week if I water them everyday until the day I leave (Tuesday) ? I was thinking about wrapping the pots in a wet paper towel in an attempt to retain moisture. Your thoughts?

[Ray]

Soak them thoroughly before you go, and they'll be fine for a week.

[Paul]

As Ray said ... and don't water them every day in the meantime. If in your home the plants tend to dry out rapidly, you might choose to make sure they are not sitting on a sunny windowsill while you're gone, but other than that, they should be fine.

[rbarata]

The best opt is to find someone who you can trust to water them. Once in a week should be enough, if needed.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Soak, or water them thoroughly, put in a shady place. They will never know you were gone.

[mobelle]

Soak them in water for 4-6 hours then drain well. Placing them in a location with low light is a big help.