Temperature Stress In Orchids

by Anu Dharmani

Originally published in BellaOnline

Posted by Sys Admin about 4 years ago.

Article Blog   Article Index

Orchids can be found growing all over the world, with a few exceptions of course. They grow in temperate as well as tropical regions. Depending upon their natural home, every orchid is adapted to the temperature range of that region. So the orchids growing in temperate zones will be less tolerant of high temperatures while being able to handle lower temperatures. On the other hand, tropical orchids can efficiently handle higher temperatures though they may find it hard to cope at lower temperatures. The very hot temperatures can cause stress to the orchids. Let us see how.

How to know the signs to temperature stress in orchids?
1. Very high temperatures can lead to excessive water loss by transpiration in those orchids that are not equipped to handle high temperatures; this will cause the dehydration in the orchid. Leaves will lose their rigidity and droop, pseudo-bulbs will appear more wrinkled.
2. If the sun rays are hitting the orchid directly, especially the midday sun the leaves of the orchid can get sunburnt. The sunburnt leaves change colour as the excess light can break the green pigment of the leaves. They might take a yellowish tint, develop dark brittle spots or might turn purplish, and eventually, the leaf tips and roots turn brown.
3. Blooms of the temperature stressed orchid can get affected; as in bud fall and/or pre-mature drooping of flowers.

Till the plant has not reached a point of no return, we can save and help the orchid to recover, how:
1. Move the orchid to a shadier cooler place, with better air circulation and more humidity.
2. Assess the damage to the orchid. The completely damaged parts can be removed but this too can cause more stress, so be judicious in cutting off damaged parts. The severely damaged plant can be re-potting in previously soaked and properly drained potting medium.
3. Never over-water the orchid immediately after finding it in a dehydrated state. It will cause more harm than good, root rot is one of the more serious consequences. Just as it is in humans start with giving little but frequent water. Spraying leaves with water can help reduce transpiration (this helped me save my Peace Lily plant). The mounted orchid can be placed in an empty clay pot to maintain higher humidity in the microclimate around the plant.
4. Fertilization of a heat-stressed orchid needs to be done sparingly. Once the plant fully recovers only then start giving the normal level of fertilization. Avoid heavy fertilization, as this can lead to salt deposition on the growth medium which will change the pH of the medium and hinder water uptake by the roots escalating the stress.

Share on Social Media:  
Log in to Add a Comment

New Topics

  1. kevan gregory asked question how difficult is it growing from seed in category General Discussion
  2. Carmen Britton asked question Information in category General Discussion
  3. Jeanne Uzar Hudson asked question Repotting Large Cattleyas in category Cattleya Alliance
  4. Nancy Shapiro asked question Where did you find this type of orchid pot? in category General Discussion
  5. Charles H Wood asked question Orchids wanted St.Croix usvi in category General Discussion

New Comments

  1. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Paph. malipoense by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  2. William Gorski commented on topic "how difficult is it growing from seed" by kevan gregory
  3. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on topic "Repotting Large Cattleyas" by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  4. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Information " by Carmen Britton
  5. Carol Holdren commented on member plant C. lueddemanniana var. Coerulea, Venosa by Paulo Fiuza
  6. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on topic "Banrot 40WP" by Therese Stecher
  7. Maria Lucia Prieto Real commented on orchid Rlc. Village Chief Armani
  8. Mariana Chacon commented on orchid Gom. Jiaho Queen
  9. Roberto Lizama commented on member plant Max. dillonii by Roberto Lizama
  10. Nancy Speedy commented on scheduled event "2024 Orchid show Martin County "Ocean of Orchids"" by Martin County Orchid Society
  11. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Paph. Fanaticum by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  12. R .Benson commented on member plant Den. Tianmu Green Elf 'Sweetheart' by R .Benson
  13. Alice Walker commented on article "Oeniella polystachys" by Tom Kuligowski
  14. Kathryn Kersey commented on scheduled event "Boca Raton Orchid Society Show & Sale" by Boca Raton Orchid Society
  15. BJ Lough commented on member plant Asctm. miniatum by BJ Lough
  16. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Where did you find this type of orchid pot?" by Nancy Shapiro
  17. Carol Holdren commented on topic "What is the culture for Cattliante Chongkolnee" by Mike Minney
  18. Linda Thorne commented on member plant Paphiopedilum Munchkin Mopsi Aru by Linda Thorne
  19. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Orchids wanted St.Croix usvi" by Charles H Wood
  20. William Gorski commented on topic "Is this a species or Primary Hybrid?" by William Gorski