Orchids in summer can suffer from heat strokes, especially if exposed on the balcony in the hottest hours. With a few precautions, the leaves can be preventing from burning and flowers widen.
Long and sunny days are a cure -all for many plants, but for orchids the excessive heat can become a silent enemy. The firm air, the direct sun and irregular humidity can compromise their health. It is interesting to note how little to prevent damage: a little shade, targeted watering and a more humid microclimate can make a difference. Some believe that they are fragile plants, but in reality, with the right attention, they resist more than it seems. And there is no need to be expert gardeners: small constant gestures can really save the season.
To keep the plant in shape, it is convenient to immediately identify a repaired corner where the leaves are not affected by the most intense rays. Maybe, a light tent or grate can create the ideal shadow without removing too much light.
Shadow and microclimate for orchid: the first shield against the heat
Il direct summer sun He is the main responsible for heat strokes in the orchids, especially in the Phalaenopsis and Cattleya varieties, widespread on the balconies of the house. The leaves, if affected for hours, develop yellow or brown spots that do not heal. To avoid it, it is better to place the plant near walls or parapets that shield the afternoon sun, use Shadow sheets Or read reading to filter UV rays, and take advantage of the shadow of other higher plants to create a small green corner.
In addition to the shade, the microclimate plays an essential role. Orchids lighten a humidity between 50% and 70%. In the hottest days, nebulizing the leaves in fresh hours or placing mixes with expanded clay and water can keep the air more humid. But be careful not to wet the roots too much: the stagnant water remains the number one enemy.
Watering and ventilation: two unsuspected allies
Many think that in the summer orchids need water every day, but it is not so. The soil (or rather, the bark) must dry up slightly between one -burning and the other, otherwise the roots risk rotting. A good method is to immerse the vase in the water for a few minutes and then let it drain well.
Ventilation, often underestimated, is equally important. The moving air helps prevent mold and rot and reduces the temperature around the plant. On the balcony, a low -power fan or good exposure to natural currents can make miracles.
Here are some useful tricks:
- Avoid watering in hot hours in order not to cause thermal shocks.
- Check the substrate often: if too dry, the plant will show fluffer leaves.
- Ensure air spare parts without exposing the plant to strong winds.
Signs of orchid stress and how to intervene
When an orchid suffers the heat, it sends evident signals: soft leaves, yellow spots, grayish roots. In these cases, moving it immediately to a cooler and shaded place is the first step. Environmental humidity can also slightly increase and reduce the light exposure for a few days, allowing the plant to recover.
If the roots have suffered damage, it is advisable to remove those gears and repot the plant in fresh bark. We must not be frightened if flowering slows down: the orchid needs time to restore its reserves.
Protecting an orchid in summer is not complicated: it only needs to observe, understand its signals and intervene promptly.
Those who learn to create the right balance between light, water and air will discover that these plants, considered delicate, can surprise for resistance and vitality even in the hottest periods.
Photo Ai and © Stock.adobe
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