I really just don't have a choice about keeping them outside. I have had really good results outdoors too, until this crisis. The bench appears to have started rotting at the bottom, so I think that is part of the problem, along with tons of rain, and a landlord who just keeps putting mulch over mulch. There is such a thick layer or mulch that I don't think the bench could balance properly. Anyway, the bench is on the way out and something else on the way in! Also, my cats tend to eat any plants that are inside and always find a way to get to them, so I don't to risk that either. I think mother nature is more kind to them, then the kitties are!
As for my "plant sitter"...she does keep orchids of her own and they flower and her methods are hap-hazard at best, so she seems to think that I "over-do" it (or so I suspect). I have tried to train her, tried to stress the importance of caring for them, etc, but she always finds a way to be too busy to even water them. Usually I am only gone for 2 days at a time so they are Ok, and it rains alot, but she just doesn't understand. I don't know who else to ask.... Anyway, that is the least of my worries right now.
I am thinking I will try to convince my brother to help my build a stand out of pressure treated wood with a slatted top to keep air circulation. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise to give me a bigger stand so I can get more orchids!
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