Large Cymbidiums + self-sustaining watering method

[empiref]

Hello everyone,

Hope everyone had a Blessed Easter.

I have a dozen large cymbidiums which I will move outside for the summer, very breezy and windy spot. I will also be placing a 50% shade cloth on top to protect them from mid-day sun.

We have a water problem this year because of low rain and snow fall.

I was thinking about a method to drastically reduce my water usage and also because I am travelling for 2 months and don't have anyone to look after them.

All these cyms are in S/H.

I wanted to flush the pots and ad the fertilizer and kelpmax to the medium, and after that, cover the top of the medium and around the bulbs with thick plastic and tie it securely in order not to be dislocated by wind.

And by that, the water will evaporate and hit the plastic on top and then fall down into the pot, forming like a self-sustaining water system, like a closed terrarium.

Is there any ill effects on the orchids if I apply the above mentioned methods.

Looking for your experienced and guiding advice on the matter.

Thank you all in advance.

[shushu45]

Wouldn't the two wholes at the sides bottom cause it to lose moisture?? And also how would there be any good airflow??

[empiref]

I can plug the two small holes on the side, as for the airflow inside the pot, I have no idea (the expert need to answer that), airflow outside the pot is very good, basically all day and night.

[shushu45]

Originally Posted by empiref

I can plug the two small holes on the side, as for the airflow inside the pot, I have no idea (the expert need to answer that), airflow outside the pot is very good, basically all day and night.

I don't have much experience with s/h but I know good airflow is one of the major keys in growing Orchids period.

[cbuchman]

I have done something similar when I have been away for 2 weeks without a plant sitter, though I grow mainly in bark and clay pots. I wrapped the pots in plastic wrap, wrapping the top loosely so that there was some air flow. I left the bottoms open. Even after 2 weeks, the plants were moist/wet, so I worried about rot. When I got home, I let them completely dry before watering again.

I would say doing what you propose is a risk, but you may have no choice. I would consider cutting back on the fertilizer in case they do run out of water while you are away. You also don't want a build up of salts in the medium.

Being gone 2 months is a long time for the plants to be on their own. I would say your safest action would be to get someone to check in and water your Cyms while you are away. In my opinion, they won't last for 2 months.