It's almost time to water my Orchids and I'm going to be gone for a week. Is it better to let them get a little dry? Or should i water them before i leave?

thanks

Sun

Well, it depends on the type(s) of orchids you have. Some varieties wouldn't be harmed by a short dry period such as Cattleyas, however MOST of the commonly grown/available orchids today (such as Phalaenopsis and Paphs) and intergenetics sold at big box, grocery and home improvement stores, prefer to stay somewhat evenly moist and NOT dry out.

You didn't say how long you'd be gone - or what medium (bark or moss) your orchids are in.

There are some things you can do to restrict the amount of water the orchids will need - less light and lower temperatures will reduce the amount of water the plant takes in. Also, if there are blooms on the plant you can cut off the spike(s) at their base as plants in flower use more water than those without or in vegetative growth.

If you're only gone a week or ten days, a good THOROUGH watering should probably be sufficient.

Proper watering is as follows: Take the plant to the sink, and running room temperature water (orchids don't like cold water nor is hot good either!) run into the pot (avoiding getting water on the leaves or in the crown of the plant). The water should FLOW FREELY through the pot and pour out the bottom. If it doesn't, allow the water to back up to the rim of the pot, then soak in. You should repeat watering until water runs through the holes in the bottom of the pot for AT LEAST THIRTY SECONDS.

If in moss, to allow GOOD SATURATION, you should repeat this one more time - running water until water runs out the bottom for thirty seconds. If in BARK, you should repeat this at least 3-4x, waiting ten-fifteen minutes between waterings. This will make sure the medium is saturated and will last as long as possible.

If water doesn't flow freely through the pot, it may be time to repot which should be done every 1-2 years.

Depending on light, temperature, type and size of plant, and whether it is in bloom or not, moss may then not need to be watered for two-four weeks. Bark will dry out sooner. Older mediums (not repotted in over a year) will also hold moisture for a longer period of time.

If you'll be gone for a longer period of time, perhaps you need to ask a friend to water your babies. Make sure you show them how to and show them NOT to get water in the crown of the plant and instruct them NOT to mist. Over watering kills more orchids than under watering.

There are none of the aqua globes or water systems that are automatic that really work with orchids.

Good luck.. and let us know if you have any questions.

My apologies - you DID say you'd be gone a week.. Water as above and they should be FINE! :) Aloha! :)