How to Care for Orchids in the Summer

Renowned for their elegance and exotic beauty, as well as their resilience, orchids are robust, but even the toughest flowers may need a little extra care during the summer. As summer sets in with its intense heat, strong sunlight, and unpredictable humidity, these tropical plants require attentive care to flourish.Whether you are a home grower or nursery owner, knowing how to tweak your care routine is important especially for varieties such as Phalaenopsis which are heat stress sensitive.

BB Orchids specializes in growing the finest quality orchids, exotic hybrids, premium Phalaenopsis – produced in state of the art facilities in Thailand. Although we are well known for wholesaling to nurseries and orchid breeders across the world, we also have a passion in guiding our buyers in nurturing their orchids at home or in the greenhouse.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to summer orchid care and watering tips to keep your plants healthy and vibrant all season.

Summer Orchids Care Basics

Orchids are plants sensitive to temperature; they need protection from harsh conditions and damage in summer. Some of the general care tips are:

• Give Them Enough Shade: Orchids need plenty of bright indirect light, but during the intense summer, it can burn their delicate leaves. Filter the light or diffuse sunlight for your orchids with sheer curtains or greenhouse netting or shade cloth.
• Boost Air Circulation: Stagnant, hot air can lead to fungal issues and heat stress. Good airflow is key, use oscillating fans or ensure windows are open in enclosed spaces to encourage ventilation.
• Enclosed Heat Areas: Orchids must not be positioned in corners where hot air tends to get confined such as window sills or enclosed balconies. The location must be kept cool always, especially at the height of the hottest period in the afternoons.

Watering Schedule in Summer

With the rise in temperatures, orchid watering needs to increase. Of course, overwatering can be as detrimental as too little water during certain periods.

• Double Watering: Orchids grown in bark or other loose media probably will dry out twice as fast in the heat of summer. Most orchids will require water once a week, but check your plant to see what it requires.
• Check the moisture once in the morning. If it feels dry, water it; it is possible that once is sufficient in 24 hours for a complete moisture release in the pot. Otherwise, when the moisture present is felt to be excessive, water in the morning allows gravity to force some of it down and out of the bottom holes. In fact, watering early in the morning allows any excess moisture that may have collected on the crown or leaves to dry out during the day when temperatures are relatively higher, hence minimizing fungal infection or rot setting in.
• Keep Water Out of the Crown: For orchids like Phalaenopsis, water can collect in the crown (where the leaves meet), leading to rot. Always water carefully at the base and avoid pooling water.
• Soaking Substitute: You can water your orchid by soaking its pot in a container of water for 10–15 minutes then remove it and let it drain well.

Humidity Tips

Orchids are best suited to a humid growing environment; 50-70% of humidity is recommended during the summer.

• Trays: Fill pebbles in a low tray and add water to just below the level of the pebbles. As water evaporates, it creates humidity without soaking the roots.
• Misting: Light misting contributes to increased humidity, especially in air-conditioned or dry interiors. Mist early morning; never wet the crown, that’s where misting could be overdone.
• Group Your Plants: When orchids grow together, they often create a little area with more humidity.

Spotlight: Caring for Phalaenopsis Orchids in Summer

Phalaenopsis orchids are often known for their easy care, which makes them great for beginners as well as practiced growers. However, they do need some special care in summer: 

• Watch Your Crown: This variety is very prone to crown rot when plenty of water collects around the crown. Always ensure proper water drainage and do not leave any standing in the middle of the plant.
• Filtered Light is Essential: Orchids do not tolerate direct sunlight. Keep them in bright but shaded locations for best growth.
• Use Well-Draining Pots:  Proper drainage is non-negotiable. Clear pots with drainage holes help monitor root health and prevent root rot.

To explore more varieties and learn about our phalaenopsis orchid farm, visit BB Orchids’ Phalaenopsis Collection.

Where to Find Healthy Orchids

Finding well-grown, well-fed orchids is the first step to good care, especially if you’re growing commercially or plan to expand your nursery.

BB Orchids is Thailand’s leading orchid farm, supplying customers in Asia and across the globe. Our farms, Pramote Orchid Farm (POF), in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon have the advanced facilities required for mericlone production, seed culturing, and hybrid testing. We specialize in Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, and Phalaenopsis varieties, providing orchids at every level from flask through blooming size.

Trusted by orchid breeders, wholesale nurseries, and businesses worldwide, we pride ourselves on:

• Premium, export-grade orchid plants
  
• Carefully selected and developed hybrids
  
• Customized support for small to large orders
  
• Friendly, responsive customer service
  

Explore our Orchid Care Blog page to support your growing journey.

Orchid cultivation in the summer might be challenging initially, but with suitable adjustment in watering, lighting, and humidity, your orchids can not only survive but thrive. Look for specific indications on each plant, as different kinds of orchids have a little variation in their requirements. Examine the root, avoid stagnant air, and under no circumstances let water accumulate in the crown or root.

Whether you are a hobbyist who loves growing orchids or whether you are into commercial orchid growing, regular access to good quality orchid plants is what separates the best from the rest. And this is where BB Orchids come into the picture. With experience and our commitment to excellence, we are here to partner you with trust in all things related to orchids.

Contact us to order and we’ll back your business up with high-quality orchid varieties and professional advice.