My "chids" after vacation

[NYCorchidman]

I just got back from two week vacation and am relieved to see that all the chids made it and stayed alive!

Many were quite dehydrated and four non-orchid houseplants were dried up dead, which was sad to see.

I spent hours soaking everyone really good.

There are some buds and flower loss, but minor.
On this thread, I'm sharing a few of the happy surprises.

I was welcomed with beautiful display of a few of dendrobiums that opened up while I had been gone.

The spike with green buds is truly amazing to me because before I left two weeks ago, I could barely see a few tiny buds (now there are over 17!!!) and the spike was just emerging. I am nearly shocked how fast and nicely it has grown!!

One dendrobium even had a new cane started!

Dendrobium Oriental Smile 'fantasy' is spiking prematurely, which is odd.

One paphiopedilum had a small new fan going.
Another opened its bud.

A few phals (the ones that didn't get dehydrated somehow) initiated spike(s).

Oncidium Redolensce 'heaven scent' is in full bloom smelling great!

[Orchids4ever]

Glad to hear your orchids made it

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

[Polarizeme]

Very nice! Mine seem to do better when I leave them alone too!

[LovePhals]

Great! 2 weeks is a long time for them to go, I am glad they all made it. Congrats on the blooms.

[cbuchman]

Lucky you!

I've been gone for 7-8 days many times without a problem, but never more than that. Fortunately, our longer vacations tend to be in the summer when everyone is outside and i can hire a plant waterer (you should see the instruction!) who doesn't need to get into the house.

[NYCorchidman]

Thank you, all!

Carrie- I know, I used to go away during the summer, but since my collection got bigger, I just could not go anywhere in the summer.
so vacation in the spring or fall is best, but then yeah, two weeks really worried me, but I needed it.

I was mainly concerned about paphs since they should not dry out completely.
I soaked every orchid good right before leaving for a trip, then had them covered with wrapping papers, lowered the blind. Some paphs were left with a little bit of water left in the saucer. no root rot, thank goodness!!!

I wish I had a outdoor portion, but unfortunately, I don't. oh, well...

[RosieC]

Glad everything survived... and what great flowers to welcome you home

[NYCorchidman]

I know, right?
Thanks!

[Leafmite]

Sorry you lost a few plants. Glad most of them did great and even greeted you with blooms.