Growing Tip of the Month - by Liese
Feeling "Wilty?"
The temperatures here in Chicagoland continue to climb, along with the humidity. Across the country, record heat has been recorded. By the end of the day, after working 10 hours in a stifling greenhouse, I feel hot, sticky and "wilty."
Orchids will also get that "wilty" look. The leaves become rubbery and dehydrated, and begin to droop, just like us humans....This can be caused by hot, dry temperatures and too little water getting to the root system. However, comma, these same symptoms can also manifest themselves if the roots are rotted! This phenomenon can happen quickly this time of year if high humidity accompanies the heat. In hot conditions we have the tendency to water more, presuming the plant needs the extra moisture during hot conditions. However, comma, if it is very humid, and the root system stays wet and is not allowed to breathe, it's as if you are "water-boarding" your plants. Your plants are your friends. Don't treat them as hostages!
The best way to diagnose that "wilty" look is to remove the plant and study it's contents. If the mix is wet and mold and the roots are mushy.....rot has accured. If the mix is dry and crunchy, and the roots are white but dry...more moisture is needed.
In either case, it is best to re-pot the plant in fresth media. Put it in a pot that comfortably holds the roots. If rot has accured, plac ethe plant in a very small pot. This will help it to dry out quickly and new roots will form.
Similar symptoms will occur on mounted plants. Leaves will turn yellow and/or become limp or "wilty." When this happens, take the plant off of it's mount, pull off any old moss or potting material, and re-mount the plant.
Repotting or re-mounting the orchid seems to give it new life. Usually, within a week or two, new root growth will appear and the leaves will begin to firm up.
I, on the other hand, require quite different care to become rejuvenated. A cool shower and an ever cooler margarita usually does the trick for me!
Bottoms up!
Liese
