When the thermometer climbs, it’s not just outdoor plants that are put to the test. Indoor plants like orchids are also something to watch, because temperatures that are too high can be deadly. The orchid, whose most common species sold in garden centers is the Phalaenopsis orchid, thrives in a room where the temperature is between 64 and 75°F (18–24°C).
Recognizing an orchid suffering from drought
In summer it’s essential to watch your orchids to learn how to recognize signs of dehydration. If the orchid is placed too close to a window and thus directly exposed to the sun’s rays, white then yellowish and brown spots can appear on the leaves. You should then move the plant away from the direct light source, which during the summer can be too intense.
When an orchid is in an atmosphere that is too dry, irregular yellowish spots can also appear on the foliage. These spots typically turn brown and dry afterward. This is the sign to find a cooler and more humid location, slightly shaded.
Other signs also indicate that an orchid is suffering from heat and a too-dry atmosphere, notably when the leaf tips turn brown and dry, or when leaves do not unfurl and instead grow in an accordion-like way. Flowers can also darken and drop.
You’ve guessed it, in summer, the enemies of orchids are heat and dryness, these plants primarily native to Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and New Guinea that prefer humid and temperate environments.
Protecting your orchid when it’s hot: where to place it?
In summer, the best approach is to keep your interior as cool as possible, trying to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. There are some heat-saving tips that don’t require air conditioning, such as opening and closing windows at the right times.
In addition to keeping your home cool, also move orchids away from direct heat sources, such as sunlight coming through windows, but also stoves, ovens, and other spots where the air tends to be drier.
The ideal indoor spot for orchids when it’s hot
Inside, if you’re using a fan, don’t place the orchids too close to the device, or you risk knocking off blooms and sometimes even leaves; orchids don’t like drafts. The best place for an orchid in summer is ideally a humid room, such as a bathroom, provided it has at least one natural light source to allow the plant to benefit from enough light.
If it isn’t possible to place your orchids in a humid room, choose the coolest spot in your home, ideally not in direct sunlight. Note that orchids tolerate morning sun better, so you can leave them exposed in the morning, but move them into shade by noon.
In summer, can you place orchids outdoors?
While it’s best to avoid placing orchids outdoors in summer where temperatures are higher and sun could burn the leaves, it is possible to do so if you follow certain guidelines. The sun should not be direct in the afternoon or during the hottest hours. Throughout the summer, each orchid will need to be misted regularly with non-calcareous water to maintain humidity.
The care orchids need in summer
Watering an orchid in summer: how often?
During the summer period, orchids require ongoing care, including regular watering, but not in excess. In spring and summer you should water the orchid about once a week, while in winter a watering every two weeks is generally enough. From spring through early fall, dip the orchid’s roots for a few minutes in a container of water, until the pot is well moistened. Then drain it before returning it to its original spot.
Mist the foliage, but not the flowers
When it’s hot, the air is often too dry. It’s then advisable to mist the orchid’s foliage once or twice a day. You can also place the plants next to a small dish of water, whose evaporation will raise the surrounding humidity. Be careful not to spray water directly on the orchid’s flowers, as this could suffocate them.
While regular watering is essential in summer, don’t forget that overwatering is also the enemy of orchids. Make sure the roots aren’t sitting in stagnant water by ensuring the pot drains well after immersion.
Natural fertilizers to extend orchid bloom
In summer, orchids are in full bloom, and to help them keep their blossoms longer, you can fertilize once a week. Here are some natural fertilizer sources for orchids:
- Coffee grounds;
- Eggshells;
- Tea bags;
- Cooking water from rice and eggs;
- Potatoes;
- Bananas;
- Epsom salt…
Saving a dried-out orchid: our tip
If despite your precautions, your orchid falls victim to heat and dehydration, don’t throw it away right away—try to save it first. For this, grab a sponge! Here’s how to proceed:
- If the orchid’s roots are too soft, too dry, or brown, trim them with a disinfected剪刀. The aim: cut away dead roots to prevent the spread of disease.
- Also cut away leaves that are severely dried, then rinse the others with non-calcareous water to optimize photosynthesis.
- Gently remove wilted flowers.
- Then place a sponge at the bottom of a pot filled with about 2 inches of water.
- Place the orchid in that same container, so it can benefit from optimal humidity to help its roots regrow in good conditions.
- You can repot the orchid two or three weeks later, once the roots have developed sufficiently.
