Smokey Days and Giving Orchids A Little Relief

From My Greenhouse This Week: Giving the Orchids a Little Relief

Last week brought several days of heavy smoke to our area. Along with the smoke came hot, dry weather, and I found myself thinking about the orchids more than usual.

People often ask if orchids like heat. While many orchids enjoy warm temperatures, they don't appreciate hot, dry, smoky conditions any more than we do.

Each afternoon, around three o'clock, I took the hose into the greenhouse and gave the orchids a gentle shower. I wasn't watering them in the usual sense. Their pots didn't need more water. Instead, I lightly sprinkled the leaves, much like a soft summer rain.

The cool mist helped lower the temperature around the plants and added a little humidity to the air. My hope was that it would also wash away some of the smoky residue that had settled on the leaves and give the orchids a little relief from the uncomfortable conditions.

One of the things I've learned over the years is that successful orchid growing isn't just about following a schedule. It's about paying attention. Sometimes the orchids need more water, sometimes less, and sometimes they simply need a little help getting through unusual weather.

Fortunately, the smoke has cleared, and the orchids are looking happy again. Caring for orchids means adapting to whatever Mother Nature sends our way, and every season teaches us something new.

How are your orchids handling this summer's weather? I'd love to hear from you. Colleen@odowdsorchids.com