It is often mistakenly thought that orchids need a constant temperature in which to grow, yet nowhere in nature does the temperature remain the same both night and day, summer and winter. Wherever orchids originate in the world, there exists a temperature fluctuation, and in cultivation orchids can withstand considerable temperature differences. Indeed, these variations are often the trigger that initiates flowering and regulates growth.
In more severe cases, direct sun will burn the leaves, causing black areas where the sun's rays have destroyed the leaf cells.
Insufficient light, on the other hand, will create dark green leaves that can become over-extended and limp. The aim should be to give your orchids just enough light to produce a good mid-green, healthy foliage and pseudo bulbs that will develop flower spikes at the right time.
The minimum temperature is that experienced on winter nights, and indoors some form of artificial heating will be required to maintain that. A drop of a few degrees is not going to cause any harm, but if the winter night temperature is consistently lower by more than 3C (5F), the plants will suffer. Also, in colder temperatures other problems can arise, such as molds and damp spots on the orchids.
The summer daytime maximum should not exceed 30C (86F), which is a comfortable temperature for the orchids. Above this, the plants will inevitably become stressed, and growth will slow down and may even come to a stop. Overheating can be difficult to prevent in a greenhouse and needs to be controlled by sufficient ventilation, shading and damping down.
After their winter's rest, orchids commence their new growth in the spring. Repot the plants as soon as this happens and before the new roots start at the base.
In a greenhouse or heated conservatory, it becomes easier to contra:, light levels, and in the winter the orchids will benefit from full light with no risk of burning from the sun s weak rays.
Orchids can be fed at all ages, from young seedlings and propagations to adult plants. Feed only healthy plants, however, because they have the ability to absorb and convert the chemicals. Do feed plants that are sick or have lost their roots. New roots that appear may be burnt by the residue remaining in the compost (growing medium). For the same reason, do not feed orchids that are resting. Their roots will have become inactive, and the chemicals will remain in the compost where they may cause harm as the plant sans into growth in the spring.
In more severe cases, direct sun will burn the leaves, causing black areas where the sun's rays have destroyed the leaf cells.
Insufficient light, on the other hand, will create dark green leaves that can become over-extended and limp. The aim should be to give your orchids just enough light to produce a good mid-green, healthy foliage and pseudo bulbs that will develop flower spikes at the right time.
The minimum temperature is that experienced on winter nights, and indoors some form of artificial heating will be required to maintain that. A drop of a few degrees is not going to cause any harm, but if the winter night temperature is consistently lower by more than 3C (5F), the plants will suffer. Also, in colder temperatures other problems can arise, such as molds and damp spots on the orchids.
The summer daytime maximum should not exceed 30C (86F), which is a comfortable temperature for the orchids. Above this, the plants will inevitably become stressed, and growth will slow down and may even come to a stop. Overheating can be difficult to prevent in a greenhouse and needs to be controlled by sufficient ventilation, shading and damping down.
After their winter's rest, orchids commence their new growth in the spring. Repot the plants as soon as this happens and before the new roots start at the base.
In a greenhouse or heated conservatory, it becomes easier to contra:, light levels, and in the winter the orchids will benefit from full light with no risk of burning from the sun s weak rays.
Orchids can be fed at all ages, from young seedlings and propagations to adult plants. Feed only healthy plants, however, because they have the ability to absorb and convert the chemicals. Do feed plants that are sick or have lost their roots. New roots that appear may be burnt by the residue remaining in the compost (growing medium). For the same reason, do not feed orchids that are resting. Their roots will have become inactive, and the chemicals will remain in the compost where they may cause harm as the plant sans into growth in the spring.
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