How to Keep Orchids Moist When on Vacation

Repotting Orchids

• 1

  Loosen the orchid's roots from the pot using a knife if needed. Pull the plant, soil and root ball from the pot and set aside.

• 2

  Remove all dead roots and debris from the pot. Depending on the condition of the live roots, choose a larger or smaller pot.

• 3

  Line the bottom of the pot with stones, pot pieces or Styrofoam peanuts. Keeping the roots elevated helps provide the orchid with proper drainage.

• 4

  Return the orchid to the pot. If roots are growing to one side, allow room for them to continue their growth pattern.

• 5

  Add a potting mixture of four part peat moss to one part perlite. Fill around the orchid until the plant is stable, and pat down firmly without damaging the roots.

Preparing Orchids

• 6

  Begin preparing three to four weeks prior to leaving by keeping the orchids on a regular watering schedule. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out before watering.

• 7

  Move orchids to a darker, cooler room the day of departure. Ideally, the temperature should be kept around 57 to 64 degrees F.

• 8

  Fill a tray with water, and place it next to the orchids. This will help to increase the surrounding humidity.

• 9

  Place water-loving varieties in a tray of water. This is only for plants unable to handle extended dry periods.

• 10

  Ask a neighbor, friend, or house sitter to water plants after two to three weeks. Simple steps will provide a few weeks of freedom.