Summer Orchids

Where to Put Them

• Place your orchids in a partially shaded area to protect from sunburn. Orchids, especially warm weather species, need diffused light. They also prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenhsit, so shade is especially important if you live in a climate with hot summers. Orchids need between 40 and 50 percent humidity, so if the weather doesn't do it for you, group plants together to increase humidity and place them in trays filled with gravel and a bit of water. They should never sit in water, however. Keep them in an area where air flows well, especially if temperatures go above 82 degrees.

Watering

• Overwatering can kill orchids, but they also need plenty of moisture during these hot months. Most orchids need watering one to two times per week, but phalaenopsis orchids, for instance, shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely. Media should be almost dry, but not bone dry, before watering.

Fertilizing

• Orchids benefit from fertilizer when they're actively growing. This means they need more frequent application during the summer but they will burn or damage from over-fertilizing, so take precautions. Apply an orchid 30-10-10 fertilizer or complete 20-20-20 fertilizer just once a month during watering. When blooming stops, reduce fertilizing until you see new leaves in the spring.

Examples

• Phaleanopsis works well for orchid growers just starting out and it prefers warmer temperatures, so it works as a summer orchid. Its healthy blossoms last about six weeks. Epidendrums grow in similar conditions and produce sprays of tiny flowers. Oncidium orchids are hardy orchids with yellow and brown or white and brown flowers that resemble dancing girls, their common name as well. Consult your local agricultural extension about varieties or hybrids that grow best in your area and special climate, pest or disease considerations.