How long can the orchids last without fertilizer?

[hyun007]

As I am currently travelling for 4-5months, I am wondering if it is okay that they will only get water at the mean time. Reason I do not want the cleaner to do it as I knew she will most likely to mess it up. Many thanks in advance.
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[78Terp]

Yes, they will be ok. Their growth may not be as vigorous as with fertilizer and they may not bloom during this time, but they should be fine otherwise and should be able to bloom once you get home and give it what it has been missing., IMO.

[ksriramkumar]

Concur with Harvey. fertilizer is not mandatory to survive but certainly do better with smaller doses.

[PaphMadMan]

If they are potted in organic media (bark, moss, etc.) they won't even notice the lack of fertilizer for several months. Mounted orchids or those potted in LECA or lava rock, etc. will be affected somewhat but there will be no long term harm.

[paphioboy]

Those going dormant can do without fertilizer until new growth starts. For those just starting new growths, maybe you can put a little slow-release prills. That should last you 4-5 months.

[catasetum-ian]

i think i am expert on this field (neglecting orchids)....hahahhaha.

i left a pot of cattleya (planted in pure charcoal) unfertilized for 2 years or more....all it did was new growth after one and another, and getting smaller and smaller as well. hahahahaha.....
well, i guess that proves the theory orchids won't die without fertilizer.

[Catt Mandu]

I have a friend that grows huge Cattleya plants that bloom very well, he says he all.most never fertilizes. Maybe once or twice a year. Your plants will be fine for 4 or 5 months.
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[Carolla]

I also am an expert on the art of neglecting orchids. I'm pretty sure that none of my Phals has died from a lack of fertilizer over the years. I have one that is about 25 years old and its huge. I'm quite sure it has gone a year or more at a time without being fertilized and the main leaves on it are a foot long and it entirely fills my kitchen sink. The picture is over a year old, it has more and bigger leaves now (though I have fertilized it in the last couple of years pretty regularly). Some of the more tender orchids I have do need to be watered though....