August Orchid Care
To Do Now:
It's hot in August and some orchid genera are not happy with the heat, especially those like Masdevallias, Odontoglossums and many Paphiopedilum. We choose to bring in these plants to summer inside during the hot spells. Touching the leaves of orchids during the heat of the day can give a good indication of whether the temps are too much. The best defense is abundant air movement. Orchids can take more heat when the air is moving well around them than they can if the air is still. Abundant air movement also helps dry out tender crowns where water tends to accumulate and where rot can settle in.
Have you ever noticed little fruit flies around the house and gone looking for the overripe banana in the kitchen and there isn't one? Could they be coming from your plants? The answer is "Yes" and these critters are called "Fungus Gnats". They breed in moist potting media and feed on roots. We have Gnatrol, the perfect solution for these troublesome creatures.
This is our last month for fertilizing at the higher summertime levels. Heat, water, light and food are all abundant in August. We recommend FEED ME! MSU Orchid Fertilizer for all year-round fertilizing.
Looking Ahead:
September is a time of changes, it marks the end of summer growth season and we begin to look forward to the fall blooms. For those orchids that are sensitive to day length, we want to make sure they can notice the shortening days of fall and not be tricked by indoor lighting. If orchids are under supplemental lighting, changing the timer frequently to match the shortening days allows orchids to experience the shortening days.
Many orchids will be coming indoors in the fall and planning ahead can make this transition easier for all. We have a nice selection of Humidi-Grow black humidity trays for setting up nice indoor spaces for orchids returning inside. The newly available quad grate humidity tray is larger than any previously offered and allows ample space for several orchids.
In preparation for fall repotting, take a look at our Classic Orchid Mixes and Imperial Orchid Mixes. You're sure to find just the right mix for your environment. If you'd like to make your own orchid mix, you can choose the media you want and we'll make up a custom Select-A-Blend mix just for you.
Looking Back:
July is a time of active growth for most orchids and there are very few varieties that are in bloom. Abundant light and fertilizer help ensure good growth. As the temperatures heat up, increasing air circulation is essential to help orchids beat the heat.
Many Phalaenopsis start to lose their blooms in early summer, learn about which stems to cut, and which to keep, in our Phalaenopsis Care page. Repot Phals when they go out of bloom. We have several good choices for the perfect mix for your plant. Our Phalaenopsis Classic Orchid Mix is a traditional long fiber sphagnum moss mix. Our Phalaenopsis Monterey Imperial Orchid Mix is a unique blend of Orchiata Bark, Cork and New Zealand Sphagnum. This mix brings with it the best of both worlds, the moisture of sphagnum and the chunky nature of bark. Orchiata bark, from the New Zealand Monterey Pine, is a long-lasting alternative to ordinary fir bark. Blended together with cork and long fibered New Zealand Sphagnum, this mix is perfect for moisture loving orchids. For a faster drying mix, our Phalaenopsis AAA Imperial Orchid Mix is a combination of fluffy New Zealand Sphagnum and cork chunks and is our preference for larger Phalaenopsis.
Mid summer affords the opportunity to take some time to get organized. Our orchid label system uses colored labels to help keep an orchid collection organized.
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