AboutOrchids

By the end of May, San Francisco’s rainy season has usually given way to the dry season, but this year’s weather seems anything but typical. Fortunately we’ve had nothing like the violent storms in other parts of the country. Instead, a cool, wet spring is keeping the garden well hydrated. The light rains and mild temps have eased my watering duties, allowing me to concentrate on other seasonal chores:

• The end of winter dormancy means regular and thorough watering. Cymbidiums, Paphs, Masdevallias, and Miltonias need daily watering, but for others, there’s no single formula for how often to water. New leaves and roots, longer hours of light, and warm days all require extra water.
• Only the most sun-loving Vandas and Epidendrums should remain in direct midday or afternoon sun. Many orchids will enjoy morning sun. All need extra shade during hot summer days.
• Fertilize regularly. Standard orchid advice is “weakly, weekly,” which means a dilute solution repeated on a regular schedule.
• Most orchids need repotting every 2 – 3 years. Spring is the ideal time, as flowers fade and new leaves and roots start to grow. Check here to see if you need to repot your orchid.

Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Fertilizing, Growing, Photos, Watering

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 28th, 2011 at 8:53 pm and is filed under Dormancy, Fertilizing, Growing, Photos, Watering.

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