Travel & Leisure Facts and Notes

Orchids are shade-loving plants, and while they are growing they need the equivalent of the dappled sunlight they would receive growing in the tree canopy of their natural home. Too much light during the summer will harm the plants by turning the foliage a light green-yellow.

In more severe cases, direct sun will burn the leaves, causing black areas where the sun’s rays have destroyed the leaf cells.

Very small greenhouses are unsuitable because the sections created will be very small and the temperatures extremely difficult to manage. Ideally, two or three small greenhouses where the various temperature-range orchids can each be given their ideal would be best, but this is rather an extravagant option for the home grower

The minimum temperature is that experienced on winter nights, and indoors some form of artificial heating will be required to maintain that. A drop of a few degrees is not going to cause any harm, but if the winter night temperature is consistently lower by more than 3C (5F), the plants will suffer. Also, in colder temperatures other problems can arise, such as molds and damp spots on the orchids.

Thunias are among the very few orchids that produce an autumn display when their leaves change colour before being shed. The leafless canes remain dormant for the winter.

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.

In a greenhouse or heated conservatory, it becomes easier to contra:, light levels, and in the winter the orchids will benefit from full light with no risk of burning from the sun s weak rays.

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.