holiday care

[janeteagle]

Hi everyone

could anyone tell me the best way to leave the orchid phalenopsis when you have to go away. Is it possible to leave it with say a wet mat on a draining board, it could be for a few weeks in June July.

thankyou for any help

[mayres]

If it were the cool of the opposite side of the calendar I'd say no problem. During the warm months it is probably going to need some moisture at least on a weekly basis - depending upon where it is and what media it is in. Is it potted in bark?
Keeping it with wet "feet" would not be a good idea as capillary action will draw the moisture up into the rest of the media potentially and keep it too damp - you'd probably be looking at rotting issues of the roots. Based on what you have told us so far best to find someone to stop by on a weekly basis and give it a drink or take it to someone to watch while you're gone.....

[tizzycat]

Hi Janet, Like Mike I would say if it were a cooler part of the year then no problem, but July and August are (or so they say) our warmest months here in the UK. The longest I have left mine was for three weeks, and I gave them a good soak and then moved them all into the empty bath (too many for that now though). They were all pretty well packed in - so generated a little humidity, and as the bathroom is light but without any direct sun whatsoever they made it without any problems in the cooler conditions.

If you don't have too many plants maybe you could farm them out and give some specific instructions to avoid an enthusiastic helper overwatering.

If I lived nearer I would help you out.

[janeteagle]

Hi Chris

once again my saviour. thanks so much for the offer of looking after my plants, I have a good friend who just might do me the honour of looking after the little gems. She cant do a worse job than me, can she
thanks again, nice to hear from you.