How to Care for Orchids in an Overly Humid Environment

Is there such a thing as too much humidity for a moisture-loving Phalaenopsis? The short answer is yes. Too much of anything is never good. Excess humidity can open up the door to a new set of problems and headaches for you and your orchid.

But what precautions can you take if you live in a humid climate? In today’s post, we will tackle how you can “dry out” your orchids in a damp environment.

1. Ventilation and Sunlight:

If you live in a wet climate, it’s important to give your orchid a chance to rid itself of extra moisture during the day. One of the easiest ways to do this is to place your orchid in a south or west-facing room in your home. These two sides typically receive the most light. Keep the windows shielded with sheer curtains so that your plant gets the benefit of the sun’s heat without the threat of sunburn. For added insurance, keep a fan in the room to circulate the air, but remember to keep your plant out of the direct airflow.

2. Keep Your Orchid Indoors:

If you live in a humid climate, we do not recommend you taking your orchid outside for any length of time. Furthermore, we advise you not to place your plant next to an open window, especially after a rainstorm, because you’ll risk exposing it to humidity from the outside. If you do keep your windows open, place your orchid in the center of the room and keep a fan running.

3. Water Your Orchid in the Morning:

The earlier you water your plant, the sooner it can drain any excess moisture. If you reside in a humid climate, we recommend you water your plant as early in the day as you can.

4. Place Your Orchid in a Room with a Dehumidifier:

We often recommend orchid owners use a humidifier to keep humidity levels at an ideal 55-75%, especially in low-humid climates. However, in areas with excess moisture levels, we recommend a dehumidifier to bring down humidity levels in the air. Keep a dehumidifier running in your home throughout the day and night to discourage the growth of fungus and mold. You can purchase these machines online or at your local drug store.

Too much humidity doesn’t have to be a detriment to the health of your orchid. If you use the above tips, you can ensure your orchid gets just the right amount of moisture it needs to thrive while eliminating excess humidity.

Does your orchid look under the weather? See what may be going wrong in “Orchid 911.”