Autumn Orchid Tips
As temperatures cool in autumn, the orchid that sat there doing nothing for months may surprise you with a burst of new growth. Relieved of oppressive summer heat, many varieties take this opportunity to grow or bloom. The change of season also requires changes in your orchid care regimen, so here are a few autumn reminders:
- Bring warm growers indoors before temps fall too much. Take the opportunity to remove any leaf or flower debris. Check for pests, paying attention to leaf undersides and the potting media. A little prevention now can save a lot of headaches later, so I always spray with insecticidal soap before bringing orchids inside.
- Increase light levels to compensate for fall’s weakening sunlight and shorter days. Consider adding artificial light as a supplement. For all varieties, even lower-light Phals and Paphs, providing some direct morning sun can keep them happy until spring. Make any light increase gradually over 2 weeks to avoid burning leaves.
- As home and office heating systems switch on, they dry the air. Pay extra attention to maintaining high humidity. Dry air invites pests.
- Many orchids are moving into a dormant stage. Slowly reduce watering for Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Miltonias, Odonts, Oncidiums, Vandas, and any other variety with pseudobulbs. Begin to cut back on fertilizer as well.
Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Fertilizing, Growing, Watering
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October 7th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
You spoiled Californian! 😉 I had to move my warm growers inside last month when we had a cold snap. Good overall advice.
October 8th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Thanks for using the time and effort to write something so interesting.
October 10th, 2011 at 5:19 am
I know what you mean about some orchid varieties springing into action. My three Paphiopedilums which seemed to be doing very little for months have now produced their glorious blooms.
You mentioned that “dry air invites pest.” I noticed that humid air does as well. Am I doing something wrong?
October 11th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Hi Hanna. Dry air really exacerbates pest problems with orchids, but humid air is no guarantee that they’ll stay away. If your humidity is too high (above 80% for most orchids) that could invite a different set of bugs. Other problems such as cool temps can also weaken plants and invite pests.
October 19th, 2011 at 5:06 am
Whoops! I didn’t know vandas go dormant. All of them or just specific varieties? Thank you for the info.
October 20th, 2011 at 9:07 am
Hi Orchideya. Many Vandas do go dormant during winter, especially for growers who live in cold climates. I don’t want to say that all varieties go dormant, because there are so many kinds, and there are always exceptions to the rule. You may find that cutting back on water and fertilizer during winter months will result in more blooms when the plant comes back into flower. Keep humidity high so roots and leaves stay healthy.