Before you go on vacation, remember your orchids so you don’t find them dead when you return. Here are a few things to do before you leave.

Don’t forget your orchids before you go on vacation  . Orchids are plants that require a lot of attention, and if you’re not careful, you might find them dead when you return. All plants, in general, require minimal and regular care to ensure they don’t dry out and die.

However, orchids are quite unique. They have tropical origins and are famous for their colorful flowers. Initially, they were considered elite plants. In fact, they required a specific climate, with certain temperatures and humidity levels. Today, however, there are more orchid varieties, some of which are also adapted to European living conditions. Over time, they have become more popular and less expensive.

Calculate the number of days of your vacation; if it exceeds 7 days, you will have to ask a family member or friend to come to your house to water your orchid so that it does not suffer from thirst during your absence. Otherwise, here are some tips on how to better prepare the orchid before your departure.

Here’s what you should do with your orchid before going on vacation

If, on the other hand, your vacation lasts less than 7 days, your orchid can stay home alone, but it’s a good idea to prepare it for your absence with a few simple suggestions. Here’s what you should do before you leave, some tips:

• Water it from below  : Before leaving, make sure to water it thoroughly to avoid upsetting the plant. To ensure it absorbs as much water as possible, it’s best to water it by immersion. Simply place the orchid in a container of water for at least half an hour. During this time, the plant will absorb the water through the drainage holes in the pot, keeping it moist for longer.
• Make the most of the light  : orchids generally need partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. However, a few days before going outside, it’s best to leave them in the sun for a few hours, always indirectly (to avoid the risk of burning them), to ‘recharge’ them.

• Don’t leave them in the   dark  : orchids are houseplants, but they need light. Never leave them without light for even a few days, or you’ll find them dead. Be careful not to close all the blinds in the house before going on vacation, at least in the room where the orchids are. Don’t lower the blinds completely to let in some light, which will help avoid interrupting the plant’s photosynthesis process.
• Give it an energy boost  : a little extra energy will keep it alive while you’re gone. The day before you leave, fertilize it with a fertilizer. It’s best to use one based on potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. This type usually needs to be diluted in water and then poured onto the plant.

Finally, if your vacation lasts more than 7 days and you don’t have anyone in town who can stop by your house, we recommend the  thread trick.  This involves taking woven cotton threads and placing one end on the floor and the other in a container of water.

The water-soaked threads will slowly carry water to the plant, preventing it from going thirsty for several days.  This is a useful trick to avoid leaving your orchid completely without water for extended periods.