It is often mistakenly thought that orchids need a constant temperature in which to grow, yet nowhere in nature does the temperature remain the same both night and day, summer and winter. Wherever orchids originate in the world, there exists a temperature fluctuation, and in cultivation orchids can withstand considerable temperature differences. Indeed, these variations are often the trigger that initiates flowering and regulates growth.
Tropical orchids can be divided into cool-growing, intermediate and warmgrowing types, depending upon where the species originated. Each group has its own temperature requirements in which the plants will grow at their best. Within these three temperature bands there is a considerable variation and some overlap of the requirements of each.
The cool-growing orchids are the largest group, and these include cymbidiums from the Himalayas, odontoglossums from the Andes, and many other genera, most of which are high-altitude plants, coming from elevations as high as 2,500m (8,000ft). They are often subjected to cold nights that drop to freezing, but at high altitudes the air is thinner, and occasional frosts do them no harm. In cultivation, we grow these orchids in a temperature band that rises from 10C (50F) minimum to 30C (86F) maximum.
In winter, most orchids, with the exception of the phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums, can take all the light that is available. This will ensure that sufficient ripening of the pseudo bulbs takes place, which is also an important factor in their flowering.
Orchids grown indoors have less light available, and the orchids will only receive this from one direction, so the dangers of giving too much light is not so great a problem. During the winter, it can be a disadvantage if plants are not getting enough light, and it can be difficult to increase this through the window area.
After their winter's rest, orchids commence their new growth in the spring. Repot the plants as soon as this happens and before the new roots start at the base.
Calanthes are deciduous orchids which produce their flower spikes at the end of the growing season, as the plant is about to shed its leaves and rest. The flowers will appear while the plant is leafless.
Orchids can be fed at all ages, from young seedlings and propagations to adult plants. Feed only healthy plants, however, because they have the ability to absorb and convert the chemicals. Do feed plants that are sick or have lost their roots. New roots that appear may be burnt by the residue remaining in the compost (growing medium). For the same reason, do not feed orchids that are resting. Their roots will have become inactive, and the chemicals will remain in the compost where they may cause harm as the plant sans into growth in the spring.
Tropical orchids can be divided into cool-growing, intermediate and warmgrowing types, depending upon where the species originated. Each group has its own temperature requirements in which the plants will grow at their best. Within these three temperature bands there is a considerable variation and some overlap of the requirements of each.
The cool-growing orchids are the largest group, and these include cymbidiums from the Himalayas, odontoglossums from the Andes, and many other genera, most of which are high-altitude plants, coming from elevations as high as 2,500m (8,000ft). They are often subjected to cold nights that drop to freezing, but at high altitudes the air is thinner, and occasional frosts do them no harm. In cultivation, we grow these orchids in a temperature band that rises from 10C (50F) minimum to 30C (86F) maximum.
In winter, most orchids, with the exception of the phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums, can take all the light that is available. This will ensure that sufficient ripening of the pseudo bulbs takes place, which is also an important factor in their flowering.
Orchids grown indoors have less light available, and the orchids will only receive this from one direction, so the dangers of giving too much light is not so great a problem. During the winter, it can be a disadvantage if plants are not getting enough light, and it can be difficult to increase this through the window area.
After their winter's rest, orchids commence their new growth in the spring. Repot the plants as soon as this happens and before the new roots start at the base.
Calanthes are deciduous orchids which produce their flower spikes at the end of the growing season, as the plant is about to shed its leaves and rest. The flowers will appear while the plant is leafless.
Orchids can be fed at all ages, from young seedlings and propagations to adult plants. Feed only healthy plants, however, because they have the ability to absorb and convert the chemicals. Do feed plants that are sick or have lost their roots. New roots that appear may be burnt by the residue remaining in the compost (growing medium). For the same reason, do not feed orchids that are resting. Their roots will have become inactive, and the chemicals will remain in the compost where they may cause harm as the plant sans into growth in the spring.
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