Orchid Plant Care

As the light summer wind and bracing noon sun treats orchids in nature different during the mid-months, so you must also treat indoor and garden orchids differently yourself during the warm months. While many plant owners will bring their indoor orchids to the fresh wind and sun of Mother Nature during the summer, precautions should still be exercised. Moisture must be maintained within potted orchids, and many “tough” orchids-such as Cattleyas-can often be watered a day later then normal.

More manageable orchids, such as oncidiums and phalaenopsis, can be watered around twice a week, while taking in a light mist every day. If wrinkling is noticed in the pseudobulbs, these orchids are likely not getting enough water.

Orchid Essentials: Mid-Day Shade in the Summer

Almost all orchids moved outdoors or growing outdoors require mid-day shade in the blistering summer months. Grown best in the morning, the eastern light is best followed by dappled shade for the rest of the day, with nearly full shade in the mid-afternoon. Exceptions to this rule include the Cymbidiums, which can withstand full afternoon sun.

Most other orchids, however, when exposed to noontime sun, will burn and wither. Resulting in a quick loss of moisture, these plants burn easily and acquire dull yellow and black starched areas. Two such plants, the phalaenopsis and cattleyas, will display a reddish color that will quickly turn to yellow.

Summer Blooming and Growing

In the summer, many orchids reach their peak blooming season, or the culmination of their blooming. To check a phalaenopsis, cut the flower stem one-half inch from the bottom, if side branches show, the orchid is ready to re-bloom. Once it has bloomed, though, it must be repotted in a bark or bark-and-charcoal orchid mix to recover in a shaded spot for a month. Once fully recovered, the phalaenopsis can be removed to its original spot. The same process can be practiced for Cattleyas in the summer months.

Other orchids reaching their peak periods in the summer, and requiring ample amounts of water and light, include the paphiopedilum and slipper orchids. They, like the phragmipediums, must be kept moist during the hottest hours of the day, often around noon. The water must be administered, and shade must be given, but not at the expense of any sun light at all, which they need to remain healthy.

If the plants reach an unhealthy state during the hot summer months, due to lack of water, air, or light, a fungus or rot will develop. This can be avoided by increasing air circulation, or by using simple fungicides.

Cliff Hunter is an enthusiast for Orchid Growing. He has devoted a lot of his resources to provide quality, professional information for Orchid growers and hobbyists. Learn more at his website: http://www.orchidflowerpot.com

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Related posts:

1. The Basics Of Orchid Care
2. Phalaenopsis Orchid Care – What Should I Do?

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