RAINING AND POURING IN MIAMI

Do you grow orchids outdoors in South Florida?

If so, be careful at this time of the year.  Based upon the showers that I have been receiving, it seems like we have definitely entered the "rainy" season.

Orchids like to get wet, but most also like to dry out fast.  With the high humidity and afternoon showers, it is hard to get orchids to dry out before nightfall.

There are a few stategies that you can use to overcome this problem.  If you use fungicides as preventives, now is the time to start your spraying schedule.  I would recommend once a month through September or possibly even October depending upon the weather.

Another strategy, is to mount your orchids with little or no media.  This works great during the rainy season and during the drier winter, especially for orchids that have a growing season in the spring and summer and require a rest during the winter.  The only issue that one may have is during the spring, if we have dry weather, one may need to water more than once per day.  That same is true for the very hottest days in the summer when there is no rain.

Additionally, make sure your orchids are well spaced in an area that gets any breeze that is available.  If possible, one may also want to use a fan if you can find one that is suitable to outdoor use. 

If all else fails, if you have any areas that are covered from rainfall, you may want to move your most sensitive ones undercover.  The biggest downside to this is that they may not receive enough light under these conditions.

As always, be observant, watch your plants so that you can react to changing conditions and reactions.