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The unusual drought conditions that are spreading from Texas through the usually humid South and up into America’s heartland are catching Phalaenopsis orchid owners by surprise. Long periods of drought are creating the same low humidity conditions that are common in more arid parts of the country. If you live in a drought-stricken area, you may need to raise the humidity in orchid display areas to protect your Phalaenopsis orchids.
Phalaenopsis orchids are tropical dwellers usually found growing in moist, humid lowland forests from India east through the Philippines to northern Australia. Although these orchids can tolerate a fairly wide range of daytime temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees F., their tropical heritage makes them less tolerant of low humidity.
Phalaenopsis orchids perform best when room humidity is relatively high, between 55% and 75%. While seldom a problem in climate-controlled homes and offices, low humidity is a common problem in areas with dry or desert climates, such as the Southwest and Southern California. For orchid owners who live in the country’s more temperate regions, low humidity is a rare problem that most often occurs when plunging outdoor temperatures and forced-air heat combine to dry out indoor air.
Deformities in emerging flowers or leaves indicate low humidity. Use a humidifier to increase room humidity or place orchids near a tray of wet pebbles. To prevent root rot, do not place orchid pots directly on or in the pebble bath unless they are inside a water-tight decorative pot.
For more tips on growing orchids in drought areas, watch our video, Caring for Orchids in a Dry Environment.
