Cooler weather is around the corner, so you need to
adjust your orchid culture accordingly.
Time to cut back on watering. Your orchids are slowing down, so
they don’t need as much water for growth and the cooling effect of water in
the heat of the day. Some of
your pendulous Dendrobiums and Catasetums prefer
very little or no water until late spring.
Cut back on the fertilizer. You can reduce your fertilizer
applications to once or twice a month, and cut in half the concentration as
you would use in the summer.
Protect your orchids from cold and drying
winds. Wind can cause as much or
even more damage to your orchids than cold temperatures. Position your orchids on the south
side of your house or take them in when the cold fronts come. Cover your greenhouse for larger
collections. Bring in sensitive orchids
such as Vandas and Dendrobiums if frost is predicted.
Mirta Heineman brought in a large C. labiata, which she won a
culture award for. This
well-grown Cattleya was grown in a basket and had 12 nicely displayed
fragrant flowers on 5 inflorescences. Congratulations, Mirta!
Other awards are as follows:
|
