Vivi's Orchid Corner August 1999 - Volume 4, Issue 6 QUENCH MY THIRST! Dear Orchid Friends: Hot, languid summer days can really stress your orchids. Adequate hydration is important to keep your orchids healthy. High temperatures and bright sunshine cause our orchids to dry out much faster. Moisture is lost and the sun's drying effects can occur suddenly. It's been an unusually hot summer with record high temperatures across the country. This month your orchids may show signs of dehydration. Are you watering sufficiently? Take some time to really look at your orchids. For fleshier leafed orchids such as cattleyas, vandas and phalaenopsis, observe for signs of yellowing. Note if leaves appear less pulpy, fleshy or do leaves appear weathered and leathery. Are leaves and psuedobulbs slightly wrinkled? Psuedobulbs do have natural folds....but look for excessive and sudden changes and wrinkles. Roots may appear thin, dry and are not as full and green and root tips have browned. Vandaceous orchids may experience yellowing of lower teretes with subsequent dropping of these teretes. You may notice less growth overall of your orchids. Flat leafed orchids as oncidiums may show yellowing of leaves and browning at tips. Wrinkled leaves (accordion pleats) are indications of insufficient watering. Your orchids need more water. Size of your plants also affects frequency of watering. Orchids in smaller pots tend to dry out faster and need more frequent watering. Other important points to consider are types of pots and potting medium. Clay pots dry out at a faster rate than plastic pots and different mediums retain water better than others. Vandaceous orchids generally are in baskets without any medium. These plants have only aerial roots and require more water in hot summer months. The heat causes water to dissipate at a faster rate, thus it is important to increase the amount of moisture your plants receive. Consider misting your plants daily as well as watering . Perhaps your orchids are receiving too much sun. If they are desiccated, consider moving them to a slightly shadier location and water daily. Duration of watering is important. Water for a sufficient amount of time to allow the plants to absorb the water. A quick drink on a hot, sunny day may not allow the orchid to absorb the water. Think about ourselves.... in summer we tend to drink more fluids to replenish our systems. So it is with our orchids. They also require extra hydration during our hot summer months. Adequate hydration will maintain healthy plant cells and allow for strong growth. Dehydration can occur quickly and without notice. So take a long drink and give an extra one to your orchids. They will be happier and will reward you in the end. Happy August! Until next time, Vivi

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