Artificial plant sitters

[ang709]

I'm going to be going away for a month later this year, and I just found out that the friend who usually plant-sits for me will be in Hawaii at the same time. I've been looking at some of the artificial plant sitters that are available (the kind with a ceramic sensor and a string leading to the water as well as the drip kind), but they seem more suited for plants that are growing in soil. Has anyone here tried them on orchids growing in bark? If so, what was your experience?

[clintdawley]

Not sure..

But as far as wick watering, it might work for plants in spag...as for plants in bark there are probably too many air spaces in the media for this to be effective...

[Cjcorner]

There is a drip system that is pretty inexpensive at the big box stores. If you buy a timer to go with it you should be good to go. They are very easy to install. I have a neighbor with it set up...they love the system. Got a porch you can put them on and hang the tubing along the shelves?? Those little butterfly clips might be good to help keep the tubing where you want it.
Hope this helps...

[ang709]

No, I don't have a porch, or balcony, or anywhere outdoors to put my orchids. Could the drip system you're talking about be used indoors, or would it get too messy?

[bench72]

how bout setting it up in the bathroom... maybe put all the plants in the bath tub or even on the shower floor and rig up the automatic drippers.

[SheilaJ]

I've used the ceramic things very successfully in potting soil. I'm guessing they wouldn't wick very well with orchid media, though.

I've seen gadgets that have a big reservoir that drips water into pots. Again, probably not optimum for orchids, but might keep them alive.

Are you in NYC? Are you willing to hire a professional plant sitter? If so, email me, I may be able to recommend someone. Or if contact your local orchid society, maybe someone there could help you out.