Fall is here and with it we will start to see some cooling and definite shortening of the daylight hours. This marks the end of the growing season for several orchid types.
The Nobile and Anosmum deciduous dendrobiums should not be fertilized any longer and you can cut off watering them, also. Now is the time to move them out of the rain and let them have some rest.
Catasetums and related types are also dropping leaves and will need to be removed from the rain and not fertilized any longer. Any of the types of orchids that need a winter rest can be moved to bright light with no rain or fertilizer. Have I said that enough?
Many cattleyas, laelias, oncidiums, and phalaenopsis-type dendrobiums will be finished with their summer growth and should be hardened off by cutting back on water and fertilizer. Using lower nitrogen fertilizer with less frequency is best. When we start to get the cold fronts with the rain coming through check that your non-dormant types get enough water. If not you can water them some.
Vandas and phalaenopsis also can feel the changes. They can benefit from the lower nitrogen bloom booster fertilizer. This time of the year less is more.
Motes says:
- · Space plants to get more air flow between your plants.
- · Water as early in the day as possible. Plants need to dry out before nighttime.
- · Move your seasonally dormant plants to dry bright locations.
- · Reduce general fertilizer.
- · Apply extra magnesium and potassium.
If you don’t know what type of orchid you have, take a picture and bring it to the next meeting and we will try to identify what type it is and what it needs.
Primary source: Dr. Martin Motes
