Temperature Change

Most varieties of orchids enjoy a change of about 15 degrees between night time and daytime temperatures.  When the weather is mild enough and with this variation, it is a good time to let your orchids out of the house and enjoy the fresh air etc.  However, if the flower is already in bloom, you will want to keep it indoors so that flying insects do not pollinate the blooms.  If this happens, the blooms will wilt and die as they have served their purpose to propagate other orchids.  This change in temperature, can also signal other orchids that it is time to bloom.  Many Cattleyas and Phalaenopsis are fall blooming orchids that enjoy a little cooler weather.  If your orchids are like mine, and remain indoors all the time at a constant temperature range between 72 and 75 degrees, then you need to as do I take them out and let them experience the fluctating temperature of about 15 degrees to stimulate blooms and growth.  Most orchids can tolerate down to about 55 degrees, anything lower than that, and you need to bring them indoors if you do not have a greenhouse etc.  On that note, I need to move my cattleyas, oncidiums, phalaenopsis, and cymbidiums outside!  Vandas like warmer temps and higher humidity, but here in Pearland, Texas the weather is perfect right now!

Happy Blooms,

Brandon Abshire
The OW

Table top fountains

I recently made a purchased a table top fountain from http://www.hayneedle.com/ and my orchids dig it the most.  Small table top fountains are a great way to give your orchids the increased humidity (75%-85) that they crave.  Combined with a oscillating fan, I have created a perfect environment for most of not all types of orchids. My area is approximately 12 ft by 6 ft. and consists of over 30 orchids of several different varieties including: Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Oncidium, Vanda, and Dendrobiums.  Check out my new fountain below.  Take Care,

The Orchid Whisperer

http://www.hayneedle.com/