Summertime Orchid Care Is Great Fun

Oh, that time of year is coming, when summer is just around the bend, and your orchid care will need some adjustments. You'll be tempted to set each orchid plant outside to bask in the sun, and they will love that. But be sure to bring them in before the temperatures dip overnight. And check them over to make sure they don't need more water after their sun-bathing.

If you have Cattleyas or other of the hardy varieties outside in the sun, do remember that these do not need water as often as the other orchids do. They can wait a day after it "feels" like they need water. They are healthier under-watered than over-watered.

If you are growing phalaenopsis and oncidiums, they may be misted every day. Other than that, just water them as you normally do. Check carefully to see if the pseudobulbs are wrinkling - if they do, they will need some more water.

Your orchid gardening will be more challenging as the summer begins, and you move plants in and out of doors to enjoy the weather. But you'll accept these small chores happily, because the weather has everyone feeling as good as your orchids look.

In the mid-day, when the sun is at its strongest, set your orchids in the shade, since direct sunlight can burn most breeds. The best of both worlds would allow your orchids sun in the morning and then partial shade for the rest of the day. Cymbidiums can be left out in the noon-time sun, but with most of the other types of orchid, care should be taken to restrict their direct sunlight exposure.

Phalaenopsis is one of the types of orchids that burns very easily in the hot sun. If you see any black and yellow on the plant, it's in trouble. If you would like to get it to re-bloom, you can cut the stems about a half inch from the plant's base. If your stem still has branches on its side, don't cut the branches, as it should continue to bloom if left alone.

Summer orchid gardening also includes giving your paphiopedilum plenty of water and sunlight. This is that orchid's most active season of growth.

Any Phragmepediums that you are keeping out-of-doors in the summer will need to be checked and kept moist, especially during the hottest hours. This type of orchid plant can have as much sun as it wants, since the sunlight helps it to produce healthy flowers. But it will need extra water, at the same time.

If your Cattleyas are done blooming, it might be a good time to repot them. The Fall Cattleyas can be repotted at the same time. Make sure that the Cattleyas' roots are about an inch long when you repot them.

Watch for pseudobulbs that look shrunken, as you do your daily orchid care. If they look shrunken, they need more water. If you have over-watered plants in your zeal, check for rot, as well. Treat it with a fungicide, and do it as soon as you can. Fungus can cause plant death.

Many people mistakenly think they need to water orchids a lot, especially in the summer. If you water several times a week, you may kill your orchids, by killing their roots. If you practice orchid care in your home, a good rule of thumb is to water once every five to ten days. The exact timing depends on the type of orchid plant you are caring for, the temperature, and the time of the year. More frequent watering is needed in the summer months than in the winter.

Relax in the summer sun and let your orchids enjoy their time outside.

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