How to Care for a Moth Orchid When Going on Vacation

Place your moth orchid in front of a window that receives direct sunlight. West or east windows are preferable for an orchid. Hang a shear curtain over the window, so that the orchid is shielded from the sun's direct rays. If your trip is during the summer, set the orchid away from the window at least 2 feet.

Set the temperature in your house between 55 and 85 degrees F. Depending on the timing of your trip, you may have to turn on either the heater or the air conditioner.

Fill a saucer with gravel if you are leaving during hot, dry weather. Pour water in the saucer, but not enough to touch the bottom of the moth orchid's container. Set the container on the gravel. Moth orchids need a relative humidity of 50 to 75 degrees F.

Water your moth orchid the day you leave. Lift the orchid's container and pour either distilled or rain water at its base. When the water drips through the draining holes, stop watering and place on the saucer. Moth orchids can last 10 days without watering; therefore. if you are leaving for an extended amount of time, have a friend stop by to water.

Fertilize your moth orchid before you leave with a slow-release fertilizer with a NPK amount of 14-14-14, if you are leaving at a time outside the orchid's blooming season. Use a fertilizer with a high phosphorous amount (marked 10-30-20) during its blooming season.