I am horrible. I got myself tied up with family/school/work issues and
had to be away alot.... My orchids didn't get water for at least 6
weeks. Here's what I found when I finally got back to them.

First off, my Dend's are doing quite well. A few leaves lost, and a
few that lost MOST, but all in all they made it. On my Phal's, I lost
a few lower, older leaves, but all in all they survived. OK- I lost a
couple of plants that weren't in great shape to start with, but for
the most part- I'm still an orchid grower. I realize it was likely was
a last ditch effort to save it's genes, but my Onc even threw up a
spike!

They had at least 50-60% humidity (it is Missouri) and the lights
worked, and the fan is also on a timer. All they were lacking was
water. And they did fairly well. It killed a couple of Violets and a
Peace Lily in the room.... I have, mostly out of guilt, put a
humidifier in the room for the winter.

Here's what I learned-

Too much water is a hell of a lot worse than too little.
If you do your best with light and humidity, they will make do.
Don't ever leave seedlings unattended.
They are hardier than you think.
There is always next year.

I would also like to put a plug in for the Greater St. Louis Orchid
Society. Of course I'm a member. And I must say the plants I have
gotten from members, meetings, and sales were healthier to start with,
and therefore were the most likely to come through my neglect
unharmed.

Sorry so long, but I had to confess my sins....
Kevin

Kevin,

Think you're the only sinner out here? Think again! I followed label
instructions for a pesticide once a long time ago and nearly lost a batch of
'chids. Right now, there's a fungus prowling in the lanai. I vow to kill
it tomorrow!

Grow forth and sin no more.

Diana

Kevin,

I know of a friend of a friend who would (should) gladly put you out of your
misery for $1,000.

Mick