How Long Can Orchids Live Without Lights?

[Phyte]

I currently grow all of my orchids under LED's. I am moving and am taking the plants with me by car but the grow shelf has to be disassembled and put on the moving truck. The company said it could take two weeks for the truck to arrive. Can my plants be without their lights for that long?
There is very minimal natural light at my new home and no outdoor space to put plants. My current plan was to just take the lights with me and order a new shelving unit when I arrive but prices have sky rocketed so I am rethinking that.

[WaterWitchin]

For a two or three week time, they'll be fine. Don't let them overheat in the car, pack them carefully so they don't tip over and jostle around. Put them in the house on your kitchen counter or dining room table (wherever you have room for them) until you get the shelving reassembled. Don't forget to water them.

I'll display an orchid in bloom in my dining room, living room, or kitchen... sometimes for a month or so. Very little natural light in the area they're placed. They never appear to mind.

[camille1585]

I agree, they'll be fine. Every summer I go on vacation for 3 weeks, and move all my plants to the coolest room in my apartment and draw all the curtains (thick blackout curtains). It's very dim, but they always look great when I get back.

[Ray]

Shouldn’t be any issue, as WW mentioned.

I have shipped bare-root plants to myself from Brazil, and it took over 3 weeks in a box. A bit dry, but no big deal.

When I moved from NJ into PA (December) my plants were in a walk-out basement for 5 months - the only light being a single, north-facing window. We’re they happy? Hell No! Did they survive? Yes, without exception.

If the difference traveling takes more than a couple of hours, I recommend this, tried-and-true packing methodology.

[Orchid Whisperer]

For your plants going by car, make sure to have something that can insulate them from high car temperatures under and over the plants. Big thick comforters if you have one. Try to have minimal long stops during the heat of the day (rest when you need to, just try to park somewhere shady and turn the car A/C on every once in a while to keep temperatures down).