Orchids, with the scientific name Orchidaceae, share many characteristics of succulents as they can thrive despite irregular soil, low light and limited water. These plants belong to one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with colorful flowers and approximately 28,000 species. Certain species are easy to care for and won’t even wilt while you go on vacation, which makes them hardy plants, too.
How long can orchids go without water?
Orchids can go without water for at least four to five weeks, especially in a humid environment. The leaves may wrinkle, the flowers may eventually fall off and the roots may become dry, but the plants will not die easily.
These are the conditions that will affect how long your orchids can go without water:
1. It will depend on the variety of orchid.
Orchids survive a long time if they are healthy, the soil has enough moisture and they are placed in an area with average humidity. Well-nourished orchids can last one to two months without water, but this depends on the variety. Certain varieties only last a month without water before they completely wither, while others could last two months or more.
2. It will depend on the potting mix used for the plants.
Orchids tend to last long even without water if the potting mix is moss, which retains lots of moisture. In this case, there may be no need to water the plants for a long period. However, if the potting mix has bark or wood and charcoal, the plants will become dry in just two or three weeks.
3. It will depend on the humidity level.
If the humidity level is at least 60%, it is more likely that orchids will last longer. The plants could get their water and moisture from the humid surroundings. You may also try putting a humidity tray under the pot, such as a tray with water and pebbles or a pail of water with rocks and stones.
4. It will depend on the lighting.
Orchids that are placed away from the rays of the sun are more likely to last longer than those positioned near direct light. In this situation, the rate of evaporation is considerably lower.
5. It will depend on the season.
Leaving orchids unwatered during cold or winter months won’t affect them too much. The plants require less watering during such seasons.
6. It will depend on the general health of the plant.
Healthy orchids have a greater chance of withstanding long periods without being watered than stressed orchids.
How do you increase your orchids’ chances of survival while you are away?
These are some of the things you should do for your orchids to help them survive longer:
- Make sure that you water them the day before you leave for a vacation or business trip.
- Decrease the light if necessary, but increase the humidity.
- Make sure to decrease the temperature if needed.
- Set up a DIY self-watering system using strings and a glass of water.
What are the signs of underwatered orchids?
Orchids that have not been watered for a month or two will manifest signs of dehydration. You will notice that the leaves and roots shrink and become dry. The leaves turn yellow and black and appear pleated, and decay becomes noticeable.
Underwatered plants will have visible veins on their leaves as they become thinner and thinner. The blooms, stems and spikes become limp and stunted. All of these signs indicate that you should water your orchids at once.
What to do if your orchids are under watered?
To revive your withering orchids, you have to remove the plants from the pots and potting medium. Next, inspect the roots, leaves and spikes. If you notice that there are blackened and shrunken roots, spikes and leaves, cut them off the main plants with a sterile cutting blade. Place some ground cinnamon on the places where you cut off the dead parts.
Leave some of the withered leaves if they are not too withered, as they can possibly still be spared. Place the plants you are trying to save into new pots with a potting mix that retains water. Allow them to rehydrate by providing more water before air-drying them. You may give more water once the potting mix is almost dried out. The orchids will eventually recover and develop new leaves, spikes and roots.
Conclusion
If you are planning to go on a long vacation or business trip, make sure that your orchids are in good condition and healthy enough to stay unwatered for a certain period. Orchids can go without water for four to five weeks, especially in a humid environment. You may have to decrease the light and temperature of the rooms where your orchids are kept. The humidity should be increased and most importantly, put up a DIY watering system to keep the orchids hydrated if you plan to be away for a month or so.
Image: istockphoto.com / Kwangmoozaa