Summers And Your Orchids
With summers in full swing, the soaring temperatures and accompanying dry wind is a killer for man and plants alike, especially in the dry tropics. While man can take shelter, the plants have to bear the scorching sun and disappearing groundwater levels. For orchids, dry weather in itself is not favourable, but when it is accompanied with high temperatures it can have fatal consequences if measures are not taken to protect them.
Below are some ways by which you can protect your orchids during the run of unfavourable weather conditions, in this case, dry and hot climates:
* How can you protect your orchids from the strong sun? You can place your orchids in a place of shade away from strong and direct sun rays. Continuous exposure to it can cause leaf burn. Place the orchids in such a place which has direct sun rays only till 10:00 AM, this too when the temperatures do not cross 30°C. Recently, we have had 32°C at 5:00 AM, so you are the best judge. Remember, only partial sunlight is recommended in the afternoons and evenings.
* In some areas of the world the hot weather is accompanied by dry winds, these are more harmful than the strong sun in some cases. Orchids cannot stand dry environment for long, especially the terrestrial ones. So, protection from the dry winds can be had by either constructed a covering of some kind (orchid house is the best example) where the moisture and humidity can be retained around the plant. Your creativity is in demand here, just make sure that any construction that is made should be able to create a humid environment around the plant. If you are able to do that than your orchids are going to love the hot weather plus humid surrounding.
* Any kind of outdoor activity is a punishment in this kind of weather, but please do not neglect your plants. There are many pests that become active now, like the Whitefly so be active and keep checking for the pests. It is easier to get rid of these in the beginning.
* Try to maintain a regular watering regimen and as mentioned earlier try to maintain high humidity around the plants. However, please remember that when watering the orchids try to keep the leaves and other aerial parts dry or at least make sure that these parts dry quickly. Wet leaves and pseudobulbs are an open invitation to pests.
You are welcome to ask questions or clear your doubts in the Orchid Forum.
Below are some ways by which you can protect your orchids during the run of unfavourable weather conditions, in this case, dry and hot climates:
* How can you protect your orchids from the strong sun? You can place your orchids in a place of shade away from strong and direct sun rays. Continuous exposure to it can cause leaf burn. Place the orchids in such a place which has direct sun rays only till 10:00 AM, this too when the temperatures do not cross 30°C. Recently, we have had 32°C at 5:00 AM, so you are the best judge. Remember, only partial sunlight is recommended in the afternoons and evenings.
* In some areas of the world the hot weather is accompanied by dry winds, these are more harmful than the strong sun in some cases. Orchids cannot stand dry environment for long, especially the terrestrial ones. So, protection from the dry winds can be had by either constructed a covering of some kind (orchid house is the best example) where the moisture and humidity can be retained around the plant. Your creativity is in demand here, just make sure that any construction that is made should be able to create a humid environment around the plant. If you are able to do that than your orchids are going to love the hot weather plus humid surrounding.
* Any kind of outdoor activity is a punishment in this kind of weather, but please do not neglect your plants. There are many pests that become active now, like the Whitefly so be active and keep checking for the pests. It is easier to get rid of these in the beginning.
* Try to maintain a regular watering regimen and as mentioned earlier try to maintain high humidity around the plants. However, please remember that when watering the orchids try to keep the leaves and other aerial parts dry or at least make sure that these parts dry quickly. Wet leaves and pseudobulbs are an open invitation to pests.
You are welcome to ask questions or clear your doubts in the Orchid Forum.
You Should Also Read:
Growing Orchids in Summer
Orchids and Humidity
Symptoms of Pests and Diseases in Orchids
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