Summer has hit the South Texas region with daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 90's! YUCK! Some species like Vandas can handle 90 degree weather, provided the humidity levels are 80-90% as well. All your other plants should be either indoors are on a covered patio where they get protection from the midday sun. Early morning and late afternoon direct sun can be tolerated by orchids, however the increase in lighting should be gradual, and you should definitely watch the leaves for signs of sunburn. Yes, orchids can get sunburned and is displayed in discoloration of the leaves (black or yellow spots). The leaves are a great indicator of whether your orchids are getting too little or too much sun. Too little sunlight and most leaves will be a dark green shade, too much and yellow , brown, or reddish green leaves will appear. For most types of orchids, your leaves should be a yellowish green shade with minimal spotting. Now, some types naturally have small black spots on the leaves, but you will totally notice the difference between natural spots and sunburn spots. A good rule of thumb is if your skin would get a sunburn in a certain location, so would your orchid. Like I have said before, orchids are easy because they pretty much like the same environmental conditions as we do! As always, I await your questions.
Brandon Abshire OW
It is blooming season at Abshire's Orchid Garden! Picture of my newest Cymbidium in yellow.
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