Tough Love for Orchids

[dougroc]

A few weeks ago I was out of town for a couple of weeks. I instructed my friend who was checking on the house not to water the orchids, but just to spray them with a sprayer. (I figured having him water would cause more problems than good)

It turns out that a couple weeks after I returned I am seeing several plants sending up spikes, and an oncidium that hasn't bloomed in a few years finally deciding it's time. My theory is that being a little mean to the orchids must have motivated them a little.

Just wondering, does anyone here plan a period into their regimen where they allow their plants to go without fertilizer and water? Is this a reliable way of stimulating blooming or was this just a coincidence?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hahaha... sounds like my habits when I get busy with work. I'm amazed how resilient orchids can be when neglected. I don't recommend it, but often too much 'care' does damage the same as too much neglect.

cheers,
BD

[Kmac]

I don't plan periods of neglect. but they happen. Sometimes it does motivate them!

[cdayinflorida]

many times... cool + dry periods ...will encourage blooms

[k_andreev]

I'm thinking to do so for next month..for now I don't know what to do when I leave for vacation.may be fill up some water in a tray for humidity..and put the mounting in the aquarium ...I prefer the plants to have some dry period not to die in the hand of someone else..
Ps..all potting plants are in semi-hydroponic that's why I can leave the pots in the tray of water