Sunny Days and Delicate Orchids

Growing Happy Orchids

Orchids love bright light, but they do not like direct sunlight. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and damage even the healthiest plant.

Even in a greenhouse, conditions can change quickly. It can become too hot, too sunny, or too humid, so orchids need to be watched carefully. Large commercial growers often have climate-controlled greenhouses that automatically regulate temperature and humidity throughout the year.

Our greenhouse is much smaller, and that gives us an advantage. Every orchid receives individual attention. We care for each one as though it were part of our own collection. Some need a little more water, others prefer brighter light, and each variety has its own personality.

For example, Cymbidium orchids need about a 20-degree difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures before they will produce flower spikes. If they stay at the same temperature all the time, they often won't bloom because they naturally depend on cooler nights.

Our greenhouse relies on careful observation rather than automation. Shade cloths, umbrellas, and protective covers help shield the orchids from the intense afternoon sun. As the sun moves across the sky, we adjust the covers to keep the light just right. It takes extra time and effort, but watching healthy orchids grow and bloom makes it well worth it.