This spring offered perfect orchid growing weather here in the Midwest. We were inundated with warm, sunny days, temps hovering in the upper 70's and low 80's. Rain came and went once or twice a week to provide just the perfect amount of humidity and moisture.....then summer hit!
The past few weeks have been hot - almost unbearably toasty - and very dry. Just as we suffer through these hot spells, our orchids are also similarly affected. The mid-summer sun is now at its strongest and adds to the stress of the growing season. Over the next few months,
shade is very critical to the well-being of both plants and humans alike!
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Holcoglossom amesianum
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As many of your know, I'm blonde. My German heritage leaves me very light complexioned, as well (Greg usually has to break out his sunglasses when I put on shorts for the first time of the season!). If I am outside in the direct, hot sun during mid-summer, I get heat stroke very quickly (at least I think that's what I am experiencing....?). I can, however, work all day in a shady, hot greenhouse with the vents wide open and the summer breezes blowing through.
Orchids are very similar in nature. If their growing area is well-shaded and a light mist is provided throughout the hot, dry day, the heat seems to have little effect on their happiness. If, however, the intense, summer sun is allowed to hit their leaves, they turn yellow, sometimes even black, and begin to dehydrate.
This time of year, heavy shade is required. If you grow your
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Tuberolabium kotoense
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plants outside or in a greenhouse, shade heavily for optimum growth through the summer months. If you hold your hand above the plants in mid-day, only a very light shadow should be seen. Seventy (70) percent shade cloth will do the trick at our latitude. Fifty (50) percent seems to let in too much of the hot sun, and although it will keep plants from burning, they will turn yellow and may suffer.
Even high light plants, such as Vanda and Cattleya, will grow better in heavy shade during the severe hot summer months. If your growing area is in your home, natural shade from trees, overhangs, and your home's eaves will usually provide the necessary intensity required for good growth. Extra sheer curtains or shade of some type may be needed in larger south or west windows.
Watch your plants closely during the changing season. They will tell you what they need. Large black spots or areas on leaves is usually sunburn. Plants that turn a yellowish-green usually are also receiving too much sun.
Watch for shriveled bulbs and dehydrated leaves if you live in an area with dry summers. More water and/or misting may be required. Once your orchids are properly shaded, you can grab a glass of iced tea (here we prefer a Margarita - on the rocks, no salt) and enjoy the summer weather. And remember.....always use sunscreen.
Happy growing (tanning),
Liese
Dorothy and I are most grateful to have founded and established Oak Hill Gardens as a leading grower and supplier of orchid species. We appreciate your support and wish to thank everyone who helped make it all possible. We, along with our children and dedicated employees, did our best to supply you with a wide selection of plants at reasonable prices, combined with fast and dependable service.