Rose in front garden bed.

Bearded Iris

Three Spray Bottles

Fertilizer (Worm Tea), Insecticide (Neem oil, dish soap, and water), and de-chlorinated water (left outside for 24 hours, the chlorine evaporates) can all be mixed in and dispensed from three separate spray bottles.  I purchased mine at Home Depot for about $2.00 a bottle and they are really effective.  You should also plan on getting a 2 gallon watering can that has a spigot that creates a gentle shower as opposed to a hard stream of water so that you do not damage any leaves or buds.  I tend to mist either every day or every other day depending on the heat, and always in the morning to give the plant time to dry before nightfall.  Neem oil can be used when you see bug activity or once a week, which ever occurs first.  Watering schedule might need to be stepped up to two times a week especially if you have your plants outside, and if you can, use rainwater to water them, they love it. 

Light wise, try to keep your orchids out of the direct midday sun as the plants can get sunburned just like us.  They really like early morning light, and can tolerate late afternoon sun without burning.  If you see bright yellow or brown spots on the leaves or the leaves start to wither and pucker, then you need to get them into a cooler climate.  The nice thing about keeping your plants outside is that they get the temperature differential between day and night of about 15 degree's that stimulates the orchids bloom cycle.  It is a delicate balancing act though, and you need to check in on them every other day, to make sure they are handling the extra heat and dryness.  Now in Houston, Miami, or similar climates, dryness is one thing you won't have to worry about.

Till next time, happy blooms!
Brandon Abshire
The Orchid Whisperer