Holiday setup for tiny Paphiopedilums

[Zaskia]

I sort of have a plan for most of my orchids but I received two new Paphiopedilums recently that were a lot smaller than I expected them to be and they dry out quite fast. I also have no idea what their roots are like as the pot is brown and I thought it best to wait until my return to repot them. This way I would know what the damage, if any, was. It's currently in bark and spongy bits?

I'm going on holiday on Monday and my husband will be joining me 10 days later. My orchids will be without anyone to water them for a full 18 days. The house temperature will be quite low, about 18/19 degrees Celsius, and there won't be very strong sun as I'm in a Nordic country.

Some of my other orchids will have a wicking system, some a little bit of water at the bottom and a few will be ok without anything extra I think. I really am not sure what to do with these particular ones though. They are my favourite and a gift so I'd really like them to do well.

It's the first time I'm leaving orchids alone.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Roberta]

I think that a wicking system like for your other plants would be good. Maybe leave a little water in saucer under the plant (you won't get rot problems in the time that you are away since they will dry out) You can also reduce transpiration by inverting a plastic bag over the plants (acts like a "mini greenhouse") to keep their "local" humidity higher.