Everyone, that includes me, if at all possible, should summer their orchids outdoors. Learn how to care for your orchids outdoors this summer. And, if outdoor summer orchid care isn’t possible, learn how to give your orchids the best indoor summer orchid care.
Benefits of Outdoor Summer Orchid Care
- More Flowers. Natural sunlight will provide added energy in the form of photosynthesis for more abundant flowers.
- Reduce Fertilizer Salts. Summer rains wash away salts found in fertilizers.
- Disease Prevention. Sunlight can kill bacteria and fungi that may otherwise damage the orchids.
- Fresh Air + Natural Light + Gentle Breezes + Nighttime Dew will all contribute to revitalizing your orchids after a long winter.
- Ease of WATERING. For us indoor growers, watering is so much more convenient outdoors than indoors. As natural rainfall may not be enough, you can use an irrigation system. such as a sprinkler or a mister, to water your orchids. To make it even easier, install a timer to go off every morning and a few days in the evening. Don’t let your orchids disrupt your summer vacations!
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What if you live in the desert?
This is a valid concern. Where I live, in a high mountain desert, my outdoor humidity levels hover at about 0%. Sounds crazy, but it’s true. If you too live in an arid climate, install a misting system.
TIP: If you live where temperatures are above 100°F/38°C, such as in the American southwest, summering your orchids outdoors may not be an option, even with a misting system.
Who should bring their orchids outdoors for the summer?
Weather permitting – everyone, but most especially those of us who are windowsill and artificial light orchid growers.
When should I bring my orchids outdoors for the summer?
Wait until nighttime temperatures are above 55°F/13°C before bringing your orchids outdoors.
Where should I place my orchids outdoors?
The transition from inside to outside and back inside again can be traumatic. To help your orchids adjust to outdoors place them in an area where the light intensity is similar to what they are receiving indoors.
Under a Tree
For example, if you have a large tree that would provide dappled light, you have an ideal spot for your orchids.
On Your Porch
As an alternative, I am placing my orchids on my north-facing front porch since the sun is so intense where I live. Wherever you live make whatever adjustments you can to help your orchids get the most benefit from their months outdoors.
In a Lath House
Another option is a lath house. This is like a pergola with slatted sides and a flat slatted roof. Place the slats about 3/4″ apart for 1″ slats for 75% shade. Many narrow slats are preferable to fewer, wider slats as the sunlight will be more evenly distributed.
Preventing Sunburn on Orchid Leaves
Sunburn is a real threat during the summer months. After bringing your orchids outdoors, monitor the amount of light they receive. If your orchids are under a shade tree, look for open areas where the orchid might be overly exposed to sunlight. As the sun moves, watch to see how much light the orchids receive especially during the afternoon when the light is most intense. Remember that lath space about 75% of the width of the lath provides the best shade to sun ratio.
Summer is a Time of Active Growth
For most orchids, summer is a time when roots, leaves, and flowers are all growing. Now is the time to fertilize your orchids. Use about 1/2 to 1/4 of the recommended dosage. The easiest fertilizer to use is a complete, balanced non-urea fertilizer. Use fertilizer week-weakly, regularly flushing to leach away unwanted fertilizer salts.
Summer can also be a good time to pot your orchids. If you notice new root growth, that is the time to pot your orchids.
To keep your orchids healthy, discover more about keeping your orchid’s leaves and roots healthy by grabbing your free cheat sheet. Click here to grab your cheat sheet to learn how to grow healthier orchids. It will be super helpful.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for bugs. If you spot mealybugs, scale, snails, or other pests, take action immediately. It is much easier to take care of the bugs before an infestation occurs. Simply wipe down the leaves with rubbing alcohol. Or, if you notice an infestation, use neem or horticulture oil. To learn more about treating pests and diseases, click here.
Indoor Summer Orchid Care
If outdoor summer orchid care is not possible for you, here are some things to keep in mind to help your orchids get the best indoor care.
Open a window
Weather permitting, leaving a window open for your orchids, especially at night, will benefit your orchids.
Watch for Sunburn
Sun intensity is magnified during the summer months. Keep an eye on your orchid’s leaves to make sure that they aren’t in the path of direct light. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. If your orchid leaves do get sunburned, simply remove the affected leaf with sterilized scissors and move the orchid to a safer location.
Summer Care for Orchids
No matter if you are an outdoor or indoor summer orchid grower, remember that summer is a time of active growth for orchids. In terms of care, this means that your orchids will benefit from using fertilizer. If your orchids are growing new roots, summer is the best time to pot. And, summer sun means that it’s an important time to keep an eye out for direct sun that may sunburn your orchid.
If at all possible, bring your orchids outdoors and let them bask in the fresh air, nighttime humidity, and improved light. The result will be healthy orchids that reward you with abundant flowers.
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