First of all, 8 days is not THAT big of a deal for most plants, unless they
are small or sickly in the fist place.

That said, whenever I get in bare-root plants, I add the following to a
gallon of 80°F water:

1 teaspoon SuperThrive or K-L-N rooting hormone
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon soluble trace element mixture (STEM)

The I completely immerse the plants for 4 to 6 hours.

Rinse briefly, pot them up, care for them normally, and away they go!

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Artwork, Books and Lots of Free Info!


"Toni" wrote in message
...
I am *hoping* to take delivery today of a shipment of orchids that was
shipped bare root 8 days ago and delayed in the mail.

In all probability they will be fine, but in the event that they are too
dry
I want to be ready and waiting with the ICU set up and ready.
They are a general variety of hybrid Dendrobiums, Catts, and Vandas that
are
all destined to be either naturalized in trees or put into wood baskets
outdoors.

I have several vats of rainwater ready to rehydrate them and thankfully my
humidity is really up there today- gotta be at least 90%.

My questions- how long is too long to soak these plants? I know that will
depend on the condition of the roots, but what is a maximum soak time?
Should I soak them foliage and all, or prop them so just the roots get a
good soaking? Would a good misting and hanging them be preferable?
Should I add a drop or two of Superthrive to the soak water? Something
else?

Anything else I should do to ensure the best start for these little lost
plants?

Thanks as always...


--
Toni
South Florida USA
Zone 10b