Redtwist
Crownrot Prince
I'm going away for a week or so soon, which raises the thorny issue of how to look after the orchids when absent for more than a few days. Not too worried, when its only a week, but longer absences/holidays in future are worth planning for.
I should mention I'm specifically talking about a small group of paphs/phals in a home growing environment - so automated systems of watering/fogging etc. are out, as is leaving plants outdoors or windows/doors open for air flow (Im in the UK, so anything can happen weatherwise). I have a desk fan and heat mats under humidity trays at my disposal, so hopefully by using timers I can keep air flow (if only recycled) and humidity ticking over. But whats best when it comes to watering? A long final soak before leaving, then fingers crossed?
I'd be interested to hear peoples tips/strategies for dealing with absence periods and what they place most importance upon - keeping plants from drying out, or from getting too wet/stale?
I should mention I'm specifically talking about a small group of paphs/phals in a home growing environment - so automated systems of watering/fogging etc. are out, as is leaving plants outdoors or windows/doors open for air flow (Im in the UK, so anything can happen weatherwise). I have a desk fan and heat mats under humidity trays at my disposal, so hopefully by using timers I can keep air flow (if only recycled) and humidity ticking over. But whats best when it comes to watering? A long final soak before leaving, then fingers crossed?
I'd be interested to hear peoples tips/strategies for dealing with absence periods and what they place most importance upon - keeping plants from drying out, or from getting too wet/stale?