traveling with orchids

[richeferguson]

We are "snow birds" now in Ft. Myers, Fl. My husband, Richard, bought me a beautiful orchid to say thankyou for helping him recover from open-heart surgery, needless to say I am attached to this plant. Now it is time to return to Mi, I am taking the plant with me but what is the best way to travel with a big orchid and two big dogs in a big van?

Judy, Richard's wife

[janet_a]

just make sure it doesn't end up in the sun--they can get baked in cars. i just drove up from NC to MD with a little phal in the cup holder (and the arm rest, and my tote bag on the front seat), moving it around as the sun went around the car. finally had to put my bandanna over it. bit of a PITA.

putting it on the floor of the back seat and wedging things around it to keep the pot upright would probably do the trick, and just be prepared to drape a section of newspaper over it or something if it gets into a sunny spot for more than 15 mins or so. depending on how hot it gets and how long you're driving, you may have to give it some water along the way. also watch the wind in the back if you have the windows open-- don't want to blow the flowers off.

tell the dogs they just have to behave themselves and not sit on it.

[jerrymeola]

When you say it is a big orchid and traveling with dogs, you may what to protect it from being broken. Placing it in a large box and wrapping the flowers in paper shreds (if it is still in flower). This will also insulate the plant from the sun, and make it easier to bring into a hotel when traveling.

Since I am in Fort myers, you can bring the plant to the Farmer's Market the thursday before you leave and I will pack it for you at no charge. Just email me in advance so that I can bring shredded paper and tape with me. You will need to find a box that is big enough and still fits in your packed van. I do this for all my snow birds whether they bought the plant from me or not.

If you can not make it, still place it in a box and pack paper around the pot so it does not bounce back and forth. Then close the box while driving and open it in the evening when in a hotel. It is not necessary water it on the
trip unless it dries out badly. Most orchids go a week without water easy.

[richeferguson]

Actually, we visited the market two Thursday's ago, and I bought two more orchida from this wonderful man, who gave me some really good tips! I bet it was you.

We (my husband and I) will come to the market this Thursday.

thanks so much!

[richeferguson]

Did I mention the dogs are really big and the orchid is too? By the way, what is a pita? Can I eat it?

[jerrymeola]

I will be looking forward to seeing you. I will put the neceasry packing material in the car today.